St. Margaret of Antioch, Denton, Northants

Description

At first glance the church at Denton might look medieval but in fact all of it, apart from the 13th century tower, was rebuilt in 1827/28, and then transformed in the latter part of the 20th century when the local artist Henry Bird (1909-2000) created a series of splendid wall decorations. He created a series of life-size tableaux, taking as his subjects, amongst others, The Garden of Gethsemane, Moses and the Burning Bush and the Flight into Egypt. These are interspersed with large single figures which include St Margaret herself as well as St Dorothea and St Werberg. The murals also include local history, including the time when the women protested against the removal of the village pump.
John Newton of Olney, who wrote Amazing Grace, preached in Denton. William Cowper the poet, also from Olney, is known to have accompanied him.
The church is usually very peaceful and open 10 am until 3 pm every day except for a wedding or a funeral. There may be other activities on some days that will not necessarily affect a visitor - Chair Pilates Monday 9.45-10.15, Crafts on Thursday. 2-3.30, Coffee mornings Friday 10-12 open to anybody who wants to join in for refreshments and a chat.

Location

Bedford Road, Denton, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN7 1DG, United Kingdom

Directions

Grid reference: SP 83805 57989

By car: Leave the M1 at Junction 15. Denton is about 5 miles east of Northampton, just off of the A428.
By public transport (rail/bus) To Northampton railway or bus station, then by the 41 bus from the town centre to Denton. You could also use public transport from Bedford or Olney.
On foot. There are lots of off-road footpaths leading to Denton.

Facilities

For disabled access it is best to enter the churchyard from the gate at the south side and up the hill using the foot path, but somebody will need to go into the church using the north door, open the south door and put down the ramp.
The church has a uni-sex disabled access toilet.
The church overlooks the village green, what was once the Red Lion pub, now a restaurant, and a horse trough. The playgrounds once belonged to the C of E Primary School, but were saved for the use of village children. Above the top playground is the village pump the women saved.

The church has coffee/tea making facilities. There are usually biscuits near the drinks in the church. Food available at Brafield on the Green shops and pub or at Yardley Hastings shop and pub.

Suitable for quiet days for individuals or group except for the events noted above.

The hospitaller is available most days, but would prefer advance notice just to be sure.

Hospitaller/Contact Person

Michael Brown

Mob: 07500 464 149

Email:

Web Link

https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/16546/

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