Ancestral Locations - Hidden Churches of Leicestershire

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All Saints, Newtown Linford

 Bordering Bradgate Park, the church is believed to date from the 14th century. It was extended in the 19thcentury with the addition of the north aisle and chancel.  The Royal Arms of George I are displayed on the chancel beam with shields displaying the arms of the Earls of Stamford, the title held by the Grey family. The stained glass east window was installed in 1915 as a memorial to Lady Jane Grey of Bradgate, Queen of England for 9 days in the mid-16th century. 

St. Peter's, Higham on the Hill. 

 St. Peter's has a long association with the Fisher family who were Rectors here for many years. Their most famous member, Geoffrey Fisher, was brought up at the local Rectory, his father, Henry, being the Rector of the Parish for 40 years. Geoffrey served as Bishop of London throughout World War II. In 1945 he was appointed the 99th Archbishop of Canterbury, officiating at the marriage of Princess Elizabeth and her later coronation as Queen Elizabeth II.   

St. Bartholomew, Foston

The isolated church, serving a widespread rural congregation, has its origins in the 10th century. The village of Foston was deserted by 1622 after the land was enclosed by the local squire, depriving the villagers of their livelihood.

Bardon Park Chapel.  

Believed to be one of the oldest non-conformist institutions in Leicestershire the chapel dates from around 1694 though it was altered in 1830 and further subject to remodelling in 1877. There were further alterations around the beginning of the 20th century. The main construction is of rubble. The building is Grade II listed. It is believed to have originated as a Presbyterian place of worship but is now used for both URC and Christian Fellowship congregations.

Congregational Chapel, Newton Burgoland

A small chapel set in a row of cottages in a picturesque location. The church was established in the village in 1790, with the present buiding dating from the beginning of the 19th century.

Former United Baptist Church, Leicester  

This magnificent building lies somewhat unnoticed, amongst more modern buildings, in the centre of Leicester. It was designed in a classical style by the architect Joseph Aloysius Hansom, creator of the original Hansom Cab, and erected in 1845. Sadly it no longer functions as a church being declared redundant in 1939. It became part of the Leicester College of Adult Education in 1950.

St. Peter, Aston Flamville

Situated in a quiet spot in the hamlet of Aston Flamville, the present church dates from a rebuilding in 1873.  The Manor was in the possession of th Turvile family from the 15th to the 18th centuries. The Roman Catholic Church gained a foothold in Leicestershire, from 1746, when a Dominican priest, Father Clarkson made monthly visits to Aston Flamville, in association with the Turvile family. 

St. James, Newbold Verdon

Situated in the old centre of the village of Newbold Verdon, the Church of St. James dates back to the 12th century with a rebuilding in 1899.   The broach spire was added in 1960.  The church is Grade II listed.  The ecclesiastical parish is known as Newbold de Verdun after Nicholas de Verdon who was Lord of the Manor in the 13th century.  The church is part of a united benefice which includes the churches at Barlestone, Kirkby Mallory and Peckleton.

St. Mary & St. Hardulph, Breedon on the Hill

This large church, with its unusual dedication, stands proudly and prominently on an outcrop of rock forming the hill at Breedon. Whilst large parts of the hill have disappeared through quarrying operations the church remains accessible and the hill provides a vantage point for scenic views for miles around. 

Holy Rood Church, Bagworth

A rare example of a contemporary Church of England construction. It was built in the 1960s to replace an earlier church that had been affected by mining subsidence.

Hinckley Great Meeting Unitarian Chapel

Dating from 1722, this chapel has served the cause of non-conformity longer than any other chapel in the area and continues to thrive. For many years it had close links with the Atkins family, whose nearby hosiery manufacturing business survived until the late 20th century. It was also the chapel of many of the other employers and employees engaged in the hosiery and knitwear trades.

All Saints, Cadeby

This lovely little church, situated in the peaceful hamlet of Cadeby, is most famously known for being the site of the Cadeby Light Railway, created by the Rector of the parish, the late Revd. Teddy Boston. He was a friend of the creator of Thomas the Tank Engine, the Revd. W Awdry and provided the inspiration for The Fat Controller.