St John the Baptist's Church, Stamford

St John the Baptist's Church is a limestone building in this English town featuring a five-stage tower with clasping buttresses and two aisles that receive light from above. The structure includes a chancel with adjoining chapels and displays intricate internal design throughout.

The church was founded in 1101 and underwent major construction work during the 1400s, with the structure taking its current form by 1451. This reconstruction period coincided with a time of local prosperity driven by the wool trade.

The interior shows painted angels on the timber roof from the 1400s in black, red, and yellow tones, while carved stone heads support the wall posts throughout. These decorative touches give the space a lively character that reflects medieval craftsmanship and local artistic traditions.

The church opens for visitors daily from 10 AM to 5 PM and sits just under a mile from the railway station on St John's Street. It is easy to navigate inside with clear sightlines and level access, making it accessible to most visitors.

The roof displays remarkably detailed horizontal winged angels and carved grotesque stone heads that are said to represent caricatures of local medieval residents. These playful carvings reveal the artistic humor and personality of the medieval craftsmen who shaped the building.

Location: Stamford

Inception: 12 century

Architectural style: English Gothic architecture

Website: http://visitchurches.org.uk/Ourchurches/Completelistofchurches/St-Johns-Church-Stamford-Lincolnshire

GPS coordinates: 52.65180,-0.48000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:21