St Mary Magdalene's Church, Caldecote

St Mary Magdalene's Church in Caldecote is a Gothic structure built from flint and clunch rubble with a two-stage tower and corner buttresses. The walls feature battlemented parapets running above both the nave and chancel, creating a solid, fortified appearance.

The church was founded in 1401, replacing an earlier building from 1215 as the main religious center of the settlement. As the village gradually shrank over time, this structure remained the spiritual focal point for those who stayed in the area.

Inside, an octagonal baptismal font displays intricate 15th-century carvings that reflect the skilled craftsmanship valued in medieval religious spaces. The carved details show how much care went into even the smallest elements of worship in the village.

The building is straightforward to reach and sits in a quiet rural setting in the village center. Wear sturdy shoes, as the grounds may be uneven, and allow time to walk around the exterior before entering.

A lead plaque on the tower's east side marks the memory of Katherine Morris, an 18th-century woman who worked on the roof's covering. This rare acknowledgment of a female craftsperson was unusually forward-thinking for that era.

Location: Caldecote

Inception: 15 century

Architectural style: English Gothic architecture

Website: http://friendsoffriendlesschurches.org.uk/CMSMS/index.php?page=caldecote

GPS coordinates: 52.03050,-0.19890

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:00