Church Building

The parish church in Moulton, Northamptonshire, is dedicated to St Peter and St Paul. It is the oldest building in the village, dating from the end of the 12th Century. The church is a Grade 1 listed building, first listed in 1954.

Historical Development

Early History:

The first church was built in the late 7th century by monks from Brixworth. This wooden church, and a later Saxon stone church, were both destroyed by Danes. Some Saxon stones were reused in the current building, and a fragment of a Saxon cross is displayed inside.

Norman Period

After the Norman conquest, a stone church was built, forming the basis for the current structure. Some Norman features remain visible, such as parts of the nave and a window arch.

Medieval Additions

In the late 12th and early 13th centuries, aisles were added and the church was enlarged. The tower dates from the early 14th century (Decorated style), while the clerestory, aisles, and chancel were rebuilt in the late 15th and early 16th centuries (Perpendicular style).

Victorian Restoration

The church underwent significant restoration in the 19th century, notably in 1851 and again in 1884-89, when much of the stonework was renewed and the interior refurnished.

Architectural Features

The church is built of ironstone, lias, and limestone, with a lead roof and a west tower. The nave, aisles, and chancel show a mix of Norman, Decorated, and Perpendicular Gothic styles.

Notable features include:

Impressive arcades in Perpendicular style.
Embattled stone cornices with decorative heads and angels.
A hammer-beam roof with medieval timbers.
Remnants of a rood loft and a Saxon cross-shaft.
18th-century font and communion rail.
Stained glass windows from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A peal of twelve bells, rare in England.

Monuments and Memorials

Inside, there are memorials and ledger slabs commemorating local figures from the 17th to 19th centuries. The churchyard contains several listed chest tombs from the 18th century, commemorating the Worley, Marsh, and Lichfield families, among others. These tombs are Grade II listed and are noted for their historical value and decorative features.

Other Noteworthy Details

The church stands in a prominent position overlooking the village and surrounding countryside. The remains of a possible anchorite’s cell are visible outside, and the churchyard contains several 18th-century headstones. The spire was removed in 1702, possibly after storm damage

For a more detailed church history and architectural description click here

Summary of Summer Works Needed at Moulton Parish Church

This outlines the proposed quinquennial (five-yearly) repairs for Moulton Parish Church, focusing on urgent stonework and leadwork. The works are based on the 2021 Quinquennial Inspection Report and subsequent contractor assessments. Below is a concise summary of the key works recommended for summer 2025.

Key Issues:

Two contractor quotations have been received, both exceeding the £40,000 budget.
The church must prioritize the most critical repairs or seek additional funds to address all high-priority items this year.

High-Priority Stonework and Leadwork Repairs

Leadwork:

Investigate and repair splits and slips in lead rolls on all roofs, especially the nave roof, where previous repairs have failed1.
Repair split lead around the chimney on the nave roof.

Stonework:

Repair and repoint parapets and upstand walls, particularly on the south aisle and tower, where stone is eroded or loose(Picture 1).
Replace or pin unstable or eroded stones, especially on the tower roof and parapets.
Repoint open joints in coping stones and walling at various locations, including the nave east gable and north aisle.(Picture 2)

Other Urgent Repairs:

Secure loose flashings and repoint at the south aisle abutment.
Inspect and propose repair/replacement for cracked limestone mullions in clerestory windows.
Remove and install a new wooden ladder in the tower.

Medium and Low Priority Items:

Redecorate gutters, downpipes, sundial, and external joinery (doors and canopies).
Remove vegetation from the boiler house.
Lightly brush delaminated stone over the entrance door.

Repoint window sills and replace defective stones as necessary.

Picture 1: Repoint Parapets

Picture 2: Repoint Walling

Currently the Church PCC has funding for a large proportion of these works. However they are seeking donations, by making applications to various charitable bodies, to make up the outstanding cost, so all the work can be completed while the scaffolding needed for the repairs is up - thus saving some considerable expense. If you wish to donate or can suggest a possible donor please contact the church at admin@moultonchurch.co.uk. Alternatively you can donate via or giving page (on menu above) and mark as "church repairs".