Churches in Nottinghamshire

This Medieval church has an impressive pinnacled tower dated 1504. However, following some exceptionally sympathetic 19th century restoration it is hard to tell where the Medieval fabric ends and Victorian work begins. The north aisle seems to be wholly 19th century though it was probably built on Medieval foundations. Outstanding features include a 14th century effigy, a monument of 1599 and an excellent cycle of stained glass by the renowned Victorian designer Charles Kempe, completed between 1885-1890.

This small solitary barn-like chapel of Norman origin stands in the middle of a peaceful field. Without a tower or even a bellcote, it exemplifies simplicity and charm. The most significant features is the entrance - this is a Norman door – a huge stone arch with zigzag decoration that is nearly 1,000 years old. Look for the graffiti on the door jamb from 1717. Inside, there are late Georgian rustic pews, a gallery, a communion table, a pulpit and several layers of wall paintings , some of which feature Georgian biblical texts. A large Royal coat of arms is featured on the north wall.

Completed in 1833, this splendid classical building with its domed tower was designed by Sir Robert Smirke for the 4th Duke of Newcastle as a mausoleum for his wife. The nave is separated from the mausoleum by an elegant Ionic reredos screen. Inside there are some stunning marble effigies.

This imposing Medieval church is set in the water meadows by the Trent, with cooling towers and pylons nearby - ancient and modern juxtaposed. It has a sturdy tower and lofty clerestoried nave. Inside, there are Medieval tombs, some interesting 14th-century stained glass as well as an effigy of a lady holding what is probably a heart. There are also two surviving panels of an Easter sepulchre.

Surrounded by picturesque countryside, you reach Medieval St Michael’s by walking along a country lane, over a stile and across a field. It has a wonderful mix of windows in different Gothic styles. The tower and the west part of the nave were pulled down in the latter part of the 18th-century leaving the basic layout we see today. Careful investigation reveals two 14th-century monuments partially hidden in the south wall. The two uppermost corbel stones on the west wall of the nave suggest the position of a gallery, long since vanished. Below these are three carved Medieval corbel stone 'faces’ rescued from the old church.

This tiny Norman church lies down a quiet country lane, close to the Trent. It stands near the site of an old Roman fort – they built a military station here by the stone causeway across the river, both now long gone. Roman brick and tile have been used in its walls recalling the empire that brought its civilisation to England almost two thousand years ago. Look out for the Roman 'herring-bone’ design in the masonry. The simple two-cell stone building probably belongs to the second half of the 11th-century. The Norman doorway and massive chancel arch are particularly interesting, the latter incorporating two smaller Saxon pillars.

This church presents an almost entirely 15th-century Perpendicular appearance from the outside. Inside, however, the arcades of the nave are surprisingly different in character even though of similar date. The north side has low cylindrical pillars with circular capitals while the south has taller pillars, octagonal in plan with detached shafts. All contribute to a delightfully well-proportioned and spacious interior. Several elegant monuments commemorate the Cartwrights in the 18th-century and there is a very handsome Coat of Arms