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Billinghay
 
Billinghay, Baptist Church
Billinghay, Baptist Church
Billinghay, Baptist Church

Built in the late eighteenth century with later additions, Bethel Baptist Chapel is Grade II listed.

It remains in active use as a place of worship.

April 2018

Billinghay, Bethel Baptist chapel
Billinghay, Baptist Church
Billinghay, Baptist Church
Billinghay, Baptist Church
Photographed from an elevated position in the churchyard.  A change of livery has occurred since 2018. The Baptist chapel is Grade II listed:
 
https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1061743?section=official-list-entry 
 
Jean Howard 8 January 2025 
Billinghay, Bethel Baptist chapel
Billinghay, Bernard Gilbert
Billinghay, Bernard Gilbert
Billinghay, Bernard Gilbert
Bernard Gilbert was born in Billinghay in 1882 and moved to Lincoln in 1914 where he worked as a journalist for the Lincolnshire Echo.
 
Gilbert also published several volumes of verse, some in Lincolnshire dialect.
Billinghay, Bernard Gilbert
Billinghay, Bronze Age sword
Billinghay, Bronze Age sword
Billinghay, Bronze Age sword

The beautiful, sinuous lines of a Bronze Age sword are unmistakable.

Although fragments of Bronze Age swords are not uncommon, complete swords are still rare finds.

This sword, from Billinghay, was found in 1852.

It belongs to a series of swords known as the 'Ewart Park' type, dating to the late Bronze Age, c.950-800BC.

Courtesy of Lincolnshire County Council, The Collection

Billinghay, Bronze Age sword, Ewart Park
Billinghay, Butchers Arms public house
Billinghay, Butchers Arms public house
Billinghay, Butchers Arms public house

The former Butchers Arms in Bridge Street closed in 1970.

Mark Acton, 2018

Billinghay, Butchers Arms, public house
Billinghay, Butchers Arms public house
Billinghay, Butchers Arms public house
Billinghay, Butchers Arms public house

A lamp over the front door recalling ownership by Halls of Ely brewery.

Mark Acton, 2018

Billinghay, Halls, Ely, Butchers Arms, public house
Billinghay, Cross Keys Public House
Billinghay, Cross Keys Public House
Billinghay, Cross Keys Public House

This former pub, closed in 1956, belonged to Soulby, Sons & Winch brewery.

Mark Acton, 2018

Billinghay, Cross Keys Public House
Billinghay, Field Mill (1)
Billinghay, Field Mill (1)
Billinghay, Field Mill (1)

This six-floored mill on Walcot Road had six sails, although, as was commonly the case, it ran with four sails when sails were under maintenance or repair.

Jon Sass Collection, photograph c.1928

Billinghay, Field Mill, windmill, Jon Sass
Billinghay, Field Mill (2)
Billinghay, Field Mill (2)
Billinghay, Field Mill (2)

The sails and fan on Field Mill were removed in 1938 following a lightning strike and the empty tower was reduced in height in the 1960s.

Location of mill: TF 143 551

Peter Kirk Collection, 1999
Billinghay, West Mill, Walcot Road
Billinghay, Golden Cross
Billinghay, Golden Cross
Billinghay, Golden Cross

Former Golden Cross public house.

Listed in Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1919 "Singleton Philip, Golden Cross P.H"

DB 25 June 2020

Billinghay, Golden Cross, Public House
Billinghay, Mosaic
Billinghay, Mosaic
Billinghay, Mosaic

Lincolnshire Life reports "Another interesting feature is the mosaic which tells a potted history of Billinghay, including the settling of the Romans there in the 1st century AD; the seventeenth century draining of the Fens to create farmland - which then saw the crops ground in the village windmills; 1987 when Billinghay was twinned with French village Ballon and the great fire of 9th September 1864.

The mosaic was created by a local group called the Billinghay Nibblers between 2000 & 2007"

https://www.lincolnshirelife.co.uk/posts/view/village-with-characterful-tales-to-tell 

DB 13 June 2020

Billinghay, Mosaic, Nibblers
Billinghay, New Bridge
Billinghay, New Bridge
Billinghay, New Bridge

Billinghay is a large village in the Witham fen between Lincoln, Horncastle, Sleaford and Boston. The Roman Car Dyke passes through the parish.

The major land drain in the area, the Billinghay Skirth, runs to the east of the village and up to the Witham near Tattershall Bridge.

The New Bridge crosses this drain to give access from the village to the A153, the former Horncastle to Sleaford turnpike road.

The tall chimney in the centre background is thought to be at the Billinghay North and Walcot Dales Pumping Station (TF 177559). The pump was operated by steam engine from 1864 to 1940.

undated postcard (by B. Smith of Heckington)

Billinghay, Billinghay Skirth, New Bridge, Car Dyke, B Smith of Heckington, Walcot Dales pumping sta
Billinghay, Primitive Methodist Chapel (1st West Street)
Billinghay, Primitive Methodist Chapel (1st West Street)
Billinghay, Primitive Methodist Chapel (1st West Street)

The date stone, missing in this image but which has subsequently been replaced, reads "PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL 1850 RENOVATED 2017" 

"A List And Brief Details Of Chapels In The Sleaford Circuit Past And Present" prepared by  Colin Shepherdson & Peter Robinson June 1996 states :-

"The first chapel was erected in 1851, in West Street, and is now in use as a storehouse"

The front of the building, facing onto West Street, formally had a central doorway but no windows.

DB 25 June 2018

Billinghay, Primitive Methodist Chapel, Church
Billinghay, Primitive Methodist Chapel (2nd High Street)
Billinghay, Primitive Methodist Chapel (2nd High Street)
Billinghay, Primitive Methodist Chapel (2nd High Street)

"A List And Brief Details Of Chapels In The Sleaford Circuit Past And Present" prepared by  Colin Shepherdson & Peter Robinson June 1996 states :-

"The second chapel was erected in the High Street in 1912 and closed on the 6.1.1996.

The chapel is currently standing empty" 

Now in use as a private house.

DB 13 June 2020 

Billinghay, Primitive Methodist Chapel, Church
Billinghay, Ship Inn
Billinghay, Ship Inn
Billinghay, Ship Inn

Listed in Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1909 "Taylor Robert, Ship inn"

Two public houses listed in White's Directory 1856 "Bones James, vict. Cross Keys" & "Stringer Wm. vict. Golden Cross" also a brewer "Johnson Wm. brewer" and four beerhouses. 

Ship Inn closed along with all other public houses, when this picture was taken, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DB 13 June 2020

Billinghay, Ship Inn, Public House
Billinghay, signpost memorial
Billinghay, signpost memorial
Billinghay, signpost memorial

A signpost remembering villager Fred Gilbert.

'Fred Gilbert was a piano teacher who rode around the village on an old-fashioned bicycle. He was so short-sighted that he wore up to three pairs of spectacles on his nose at the same time. Lessons were spent looking for lost pairs.'

Mark Acton, 2018

Billinghay, Fred Gilbert
Billinghay, signpost memorial
Billinghay, signpost memorial
Billinghay, signpost memorial

A signpost remembering villager Nickel Bavin.

'During the 1920's local prizefighter Nickel Bavin would always oblige if called upon for a fight. His contests happened in the Market Place, on raw stones and gravel. He was a popular attraction at the annual October Fair.'

Mark Acton, 2018

Billinghay, Nickel Bavin, prizefighting
Billinghay, South's Mill (1)
Billinghay, South's Mill (1)
Billinghay, South's Mill (1)

South Mill was built in about 1806 on the site of an earlier post mill in Victoria Street.

It was raised by two storeys in 1830 after the top had been wrecked in a storm.

Jon Sass Collection, undated photograph

Billinghay, South Mill, Victoria Street, Jon Sass
Billinghay, South's Mill (2)
Billinghay, South's Mill (2)
Billinghay, South's Mill (2)

This is the surviving stump of a seven-storey four-sailed mill built on Victoria Street. It last worked in the 1930s.

Location of mill: TF 153 551

Peter Kirk Collection, 1999


Billinghay, South's Mill
Billinghay, South’s Mill (3)
Billinghay, South’s Mill (3)
Billinghay, South’s Mill (3)

Built in about 1830 on the site of an earlier post mill in Victoria Street. There remains only a small part of the brick tower.

Painting by Karl Wood, 1932

Billinghay, South's Mill, Karl Wood
Billinghay, St Michael
Billinghay, St Michael
Billinghay, St Michael

The Early English west tower of St Michael's church, Billinghay.

The broach spire with flying buttresses was added in 1787.

August 2012

Billinghay, St Michael, broach spire
Billinghay, St Michael
Billinghay, St Michael
Billinghay, St Michael

St Michael's Billinghay has an Early English west tower, with a broach spire with flying buttresses added in 1787.

Much of the church is Early English and Decorated, with a Perpendicular clerestory to the nave.

August 2012

Billinghay, St Michael church
Billinghay, St Michael
Billinghay, St Michael
Billinghay, St Michael

Another view of the church from the south-east.

April 2018

Billinghay, St Michael
Billinghay, St Michael
Billinghay, St Michael
Billinghay, St Michael

The spire of St Michael's church was rebuilt in 1912.

April 2018

Billinghay, St Michael
Billinghay, St Michael
Billinghay, St Michael
Billinghay, St Michael
Billinghay St Michael from east.
 
The large four light east window has flowing tracery. St Michael’s church is Grade I listed:
 
https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1204770?section=official-list-entry 
 
Jean Howard 8 January 2025  
Billinghay, Saint Michael Church
Billinghay, St Michael, Aumbry
Billinghay, St Michael, Aumbry
Billinghay, St Michael, Aumbry
A shelf and small cupboard fitted into an asymmetrical opening.
 
Jean Howard 13 January 2025  
Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, aumbry
Billinghay, St Michael, Bootscraper
Billinghay, St Michael, Bootscraper
Billinghay, St Michael, Bootscraper
A simple right-angle of iron fixed into the ground and the masonry of the entrance; there was once another on the other side of the arch.
 
Jean Howard 8 January 2025  
Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, bootscraper
Billinghay, St Michael, Capital
Billinghay, St Michael, Capital
Billinghay, St Michael, Capital

The quatrefoil piers in the south arcade are from the late Early English period.

April 2018

Billinghay, St Michael, piers
Billinghay, St Michael, Chancel
Billinghay, St Michael, Chancel
Billinghay, St Michael, Chancel
"The chancel has a Minton tile floor, a small ogee headed piscina, and a C19 wood and brass altar rail. C19 wooden choir stalls and organ.”
 
https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1204770?section=official-list-entry  
 
Jean Howard 13 January 2025  
Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, chancel
Billinghay, St Michael, Chancel, East Window
Billinghay, St Michael, Chancel, East Window
Billinghay, St Michael, Chancel, East Window
The stained glass in the east window was installed in March 1891. It was designed by W F Dixon of 18 University St, London. The four lights depict the Nativity; the Crucifixion; the Resurrection and the women at the tomb. The dedication says:
 
To the Glory of God/ and in memory of/ Katherine B Walker/ who died 8th June 1888.
 
Katherine Bergman Walker was the wife of the Vicar, Revd Edward Richard Walker and she would have been around 50 years old when she died. More on the designer William Francis Dixon can be found at:
 
https://victorianweb.org/art/stainedglass/dixon/index.html  
 
Jean Howard 13 January 2025   
Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, window stained glass
Billinghay, St Michael, Chancel, Piscina
Billinghay, St Michael, Chancel, Piscina
Billinghay, St Michael, Chancel, Piscina

An ogee headed piscina beside the main altar.

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, piscina
Billinghay, St Michael, Chancel, Sanctuary
Billinghay, St Michael, Chancel, Sanctuary
Billinghay, St Michael, Chancel, Sanctuary

‘The chancel has a Minton tile floor, a small ogee headed piscina, and a C19 wood and brass altar rail.’

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1204770?section=official-list-entry  

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Saint Michael Church
Billinghay, St Michael, Churchyard, T.Sandys
Billinghay, St Michael, Churchyard, T.Sandys
Billinghay, St Michael, Churchyard, T.Sandys

Just to the right inside the churchyard gate is this marble headstone with an intriguing narrative:

 In Memory of/ REV. T. SANDYS,/ AGED 68/ FOR 41 YEARS/ MISSIONARY IN INDIA,/ WHO DIED 8TH NOVEMBER 1871/ FROM THE EFFECTS/ OF AN ACCIDENT AT/ BILLINGHAY,/ WHEN ON HIS WAY TO PREACH/ FOR THE/ CHURCH MISSIONARY/ SOCIETY

Jean Howard 8 January 2025 

Billinghay, Saint Michael Churchyard, T.Sandys
Billinghay, St Michael, Churchyard, T.Sandys
Billinghay, St Michael, Churchyard, T.Sandys
Billinghay, St Michael, Churchyard, T.Sandys

Sandys’ gravestone refers to ‘an accident at Billinghay’. This image is taken from a news cutting, now rather difficult to read, displayed in the church.

Research reveals that Timothy Sandys was born in Leicester and became a Sunday School teacher. Challenged to become a missionary he was ordained, married in Leicester on 26 December 1829 and sailed with his new wife Rebecca on 1st January 1830 to Calcutta where he became an energetic and popular missionary. After bearing him seven children Rebecca died in 1853. He remarried in Calcutta the next year: he and Emily had a further four children. Clearly he had returned to England where he arranged to speak about the Church Missionary Society. Billinghay’s Revd Jenkins picked him up from Tattershall railway station in an open carriage; just yards from their destination the horse was startled and they were both thrown from the carriage. Although apparently uninjured Sandys died only days later. The sixth edition of The Church Missionary Atlas pub. 1879 records of Kistopore, near Calcutta, on p72 "Here a pretty Gothic church has been recently built as a memorial to the Rev. T Sandys, who for more than forty years faithfully laboured as a Missionary in Calcutta and environs.”

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, Timothy Sandys
Billinghay, St Michael, Churchyard, War Memorial
Billinghay, St Michael, Churchyard, War Memorial
Billinghay, St Michael, Churchyard, War Memorial

First World War memorial to Corporal J.Hildred and Staff Nurse N.Wilson buried in the churchyard.

DB 25 June 2020

Billinghay, Saint Michael, Churchyard, war memorial
Billinghay, St Michael, Dogdyke Chantry
Billinghay, St Michael, Dogdyke Chantry
Billinghay, St Michael, Dogdyke Chantry
A mediaeval chapel dedicated to St Nicholas is recorded as having been at Dogdyke. The earliest reference to the building is thought to be 1310, with a further mention of 1342 of a chantry established there. At the Dissolution William Saunderson is mentioned as Chaplain, but his predecessor, William Tupholme, had a memorial in Billinghay church when Gervase Holles visited c1630s. This calligraphy panel records the names of these and other priests. The location of the former chapel is unknown.
 
Jean Howard 13 January 2025  
Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, Dogdyke Chantry
Billinghay, St Michael, Font
Billinghay, St Michael, Font
Billinghay, St Michael, Font

A typical font of the Perpendicular (15th century) period, octagonal in section with panel tracery.

April 2018

Billinghay, St Michael, font
Billinghay, St Michael, Grotesque
Billinghay, St Michael, Grotesque
Billinghay, St Michael, Grotesque
Billinghay St Michael grotesque east.
 
Above the clerestorey on the south side of the nave are grotesques which may have been gargoyles but which now support lead shutes to cast water further away. This figure is holding his mouth open.
 
Jean Howard 8 January 2025  
Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, grotesque
Billinghay, St Michael, Grotesque
Billinghay, St Michael, Grotesque
Billinghay, St Michael, Grotesque
Billinghay St Michael grotesque west.
 
Above the clerestorey on the south side of the nave are grotesques which may have been gargoyles but which now support lead shutes to cast water further away. This figure sports a handle-bar moustache.
 
Jean Howard 8 January 2025  
Billinghay, Saint Michael Church
Billinghay, St Michael, Interior
Billinghay, St Michael, Interior
Billinghay, St Michael, Interior

View of the church interior looking east. The south arcade (right) dates from the thrteenth century, the north (left) from the fourtheenth.

April 2018

Billinghay, St Michael, interior
Billinghay, St Michael, Interior
Billinghay, St Michael, Interior
Billinghay, St Michael, Interior

Billinghay St Michael looking east

The contrasting arcades can be appreciated in this view: the south arcade is earlier, from the first half of the 13th century, with quatrefoil columns and deeply moulded arches; the north arcade columns are octagonal and slightly later in the century. The church guide suggests the clerestorey was added in the 14th century but the hood moulding indicates 16th century.

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Saint Michael Church
Billinghay, St Michael, Interior
Billinghay, St Michael, Interior
Billinghay, St Michael, Interior

Billinghay St Michael looking west

The line of the nave roof before the addition of the clerestorey can be seen above the Commandment boards.

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Saint Michael Church
Billinghay, St Michael, Lectern
Billinghay, St Michael, Lectern
Billinghay, St Michael, Lectern
A modern but very traditional brass eagle lectern engraved around the base:
 
TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN HONOURED MEMORY OF/ FRANK WHITEHEAD/ HEADMASTER OF BILLINGHAY CHURCH SCHOOL 1934-1950/ GIVEN BY HIS FRIENDS 1951
 
Jean Howard 13 January 2025  
Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, lectern
Billinghay, St Michael, Mass Dial
Billinghay, St Michael, Mass Dial
Billinghay, St Michael, Mass Dial

Mass dial visible on this butress.

"Some 3,000 mass, tide or scratch dials have been recorded in the UK.

Typically located on the south wall of a parish church, this form of sundial was used to mark the "variable" time of liturgical services in the medieval world."

http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/mass-dials/mass-dials.htm

See also

http://sundialsoc.org.uk/dials_menu/mass-dials/

DB 25 June 2018 

Billinghay, Saint Michael, Church, Mass Dial, scratch dial
Billinghay, St Michael, Memorial (Gilbert)
Billinghay, St Michael, Memorial (Gilbert)
Billinghay, St Michael, Memorial (Gilbert)

Bernard Gilbert was a poet, playwright, novelist and journalist who reflected on life in Lincolnshire, especially during the First World War.

He wrote series of articles for the Lincooln Gazette. Some of his poems are in Lincolnshire dialect.

April 2018

Billinghay, St Michael, Bernard Gilbert
Billinghay, St Michael, Memorial (Jenkins)
Billinghay, St Michael, Memorial (Jenkins)
Billinghay, St Michael, Memorial (Jenkins)
A brass plaque with the words: IN LOVING MEMORY OF/ SUSAN/ WIDOW OF THE REV. E. C. F. JENKINS./ DIED MARCH 14TH 1892, AGED 82/ INTERRED AT LONGTHORPE, PETERBOROUGH.
 
Jean Howard 13 January 2025  
Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, Jenkins
Billinghay, St Michael, Memorial (Jenkins)
Billinghay, St Michael, Memorial (Jenkins)
Billinghay, St Michael, Memorial (Jenkins)
A brass plaque that reads:
 
THIS.MEMORIAL.TABLET/ IS.PLACED.BY.FRIENDS.OF.THE/ REVD.A.C.F.JENKINS.M.A:FOR/ 47.YEARS.VICAR.OF.THIS.PARISH/ DIED.4TH.MARCH.1881
 
The plaque was made by Gawthorp, London.
 
Jean Howard 13 January 2025  
Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, Jenkins
Billinghay, St Michael, Memorial (Knott)
Billinghay, St Michael, Memorial (Knott)
Billinghay, St Michael, Memorial (Knott)
An engraved brass plaque on a wooden mount. The corners each bear a red Maltese cross. It carries the words:
 
IN LOVING MEMORY OF/ JOHN/ THE DEARLY LOVED SON OF/ C AND A KNOTT,/ KILLED IN ACTION AT THE/ BATTLE OF LOOS/ SEPT 26TH 1915 AGED 20 YEARS./ "NOT MY WILL O LORD BUT THINE BE DONE”
 
Jean Howard 13 January 2025  
Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, Knott
Billinghay, St Michael, Memorial (South)
Billinghay, St Michael, Memorial (South)
Billinghay, St Michael, Memorial (South)

An engraved brass plaque reads:

IN TENDER LOVING MEMORY OF/ CHARLES LEEDALE SOUTH/ KILLED ON THE BATTLE FIELD IN FRANCE/ OCT. 23RD 1918 AGED 22 YEARS./ Greater love hath no man than this, that a man/ lay down his life for his friends.

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Saint Michael Church
Billinghay, St Michael, Monument (Hewitt)
Billinghay, St Michael, Monument (Hewitt)
Billinghay, St Michael, Monument (Hewitt)
An ornate wall monument with side pillars, an arched top and a coat of arms topped with a Little Owl. The coat of arms includes three Little Owls in the left hand side: might Mary who is commemorated have family connections to Howlett? The wording reads:
 
To the Memory of/ MARY/ YE WIFE OF ROBERT HEWITT/ Vicar, (and Daughter of/ JOHN WILKINSON/ of South Kyme) who died the/ 14th of October 1746, in the 31/ Year of her Age, and Lyes/ below in the same Grave with/ Her four Children, (viz)/ JAMES, MARY, JOHN, & ROBERT/ who died in their Infancy.
 
Jean Howard 13 January 2025  
Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, Hewitt monument
Billinghay, St Michael, Monument (Hewitt)
Billinghay, St Michael, Monument (Hewitt)
Billinghay, St Michael, Monument (Hewitt)
A former vicar is recorded on a slate tablet within a marble frame decorated with swags of flowers and a winged cherub head:
 
To the memory/ of/ Robert Hewitt/ vicar of Billingay/ who died May 13th/ 1760/ in the 59th Year of/ HIS AGE
 
Jean Howard 13 January 2025  
Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, Robert Hewitt
Billinghay, St Michael, North Aisle
Billinghay, St Michael, North Aisle
Billinghay, St Michael, North Aisle
Billinghay St Michael east end north aisle.
 
The stone door jamb reveals a blocked doorway into a former side chapel, a space now occupied by the organ chamber.
 
Jean Howard 13 January 2025  
Billinghay, Saint Michael Church
Billinghay, St Michael, Organ
Billinghay, St Michael, Organ
Billinghay, St Michael, Organ

The organ chamber was built on in 1895.

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, organ
Billinghay, St Michael, Porch
Billinghay, St Michael, Porch
Billinghay, St Michael, Porch

The rather 'rickety' south porch has a coped gable with gabled kneelers and a cross finial, plus stone benches inside.

April 2019

Billinghay, St Michael, porch
Billinghay, St Michael, Porch, Memorials
Billinghay, St Michael, Porch, Memorials
Billinghay, St Michael, Porch, Memorials

These two monuments are on the east wall of the south porch. That on the left reads: SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF WILLIAM PETCHEL/ WHO DIED AT HECKINGTON, NOVR 15TH 1861/ AGED 73 YEARS./ ALSO OF WILLIAM PETCHEL,/ SECOND SON OF THE ABOVE,/ WHO DIED IN AFRICA, DECR 4TH 1859,/ AGED 30 YEARS./ AND OF ROBERT PETCHEL,/ FOURTH SON OF THE ABOVE./ WHO DIED IN IRELAND JANY 3RD 1861/ AGED 28 YEARS. 

The oval tablet to the right says: SACRED/ TO THE MEMORY OF/ ANN JESSOP,/ WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE/ MAY 31.1807,/ AGED 84 YEARS./ AND OF ARTHUR JESSOP,/ SON OF THE ABOVE,/ WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE/ FEBRUARY 20.1823/ AGED 62 YEARS.

Jean Howard 8 January 2025 

Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, porch
Billinghay, St Michael, Priests
Billinghay, St Michael, Priests
Billinghay, St Michael, Priests
Billinghay St Michael list of priests.
 
A calligraphy roll of priests documented from mid 12th century to mid-20th century, and the patrons of the living. This was largely Catley Priory until the Dissolution, then the Dymokes of Scrivelsby to the early 18th century, followed by the Fitzwilliam family from Milton near Peterborough and the Bishop of Lincoln from 1950s.
 
Jean Howard 13 January 2025  
Billinghay, Saint Michael Church
Billinghay, St Michael, Pulpit
Billinghay, St Michael, Pulpit
Billinghay, St Michael, Pulpit

The pulpit has the following wording incised: To the Rev A C P JENKINS M A/ 47 Years Vicar/ of this Parish/ by his Friends

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, pulpit
Billinghay, St Michael, Roll of Honour
Billinghay, St Michael, Roll of Honour
Billinghay, St Michael, Roll of Honour

Billinghay St Michael WWII roll of honour.

BILLINGHAY/ ROLL OF HONOUR/ 1939-1945/ CLAUDE HOWARD BEE/ Sapper, Royal Engineers. Died as a Prisoner of/ War in Malaya, August 2nd 1943 Aged 24 years/ MAURICE A COULING/ Ordinary Seaman, Royal Navy. Lost at Sea - / December 17th 1940/ JOHN HICKLING/  Pilot Officer, Royal Air Force Killed in Action/ August 31st 1943 – Aged 29 years./ HARRY DOUGLAS LOUTH/ Driver, R.A.S.C.  Killed in Italy January 21st/ 1945. Buried in the British Cemetery, Ravenna./ DENNIS WILLIAM WELLS/ Able Seaman, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Electra. Died/ in Java. February 27th 1942. Aged 21 years.

The Roll of Honour for the First World War is about to undergo conservation.

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, roll of honour
Billinghay, St Michael, Rood Stair
Billinghay, St Michael, Rood Stair
Billinghay, St Michael, Rood Stair

Although no lower door now exists there has been a stairway up to a rood loft. As can be seen in the photo, taken from the nave, this looks to have given access both to the loft of a screen across the chancel arch and also another screen across the south aisle.

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Saint Michael Church
Billinghay, St Michael, Roof
Billinghay, St Michael, Roof
Billinghay, St Michael, Roof

The timber roof with tie-beams, arched braces and bosses dates from the sixteenth century.

April 2018

Billinghay, St Michael, roof timber
Billinghay, St Michael, Roof Boss
Billinghay, St Michael, Roof Boss
Billinghay, St Michael, Roof Boss

"The nave has a very fine 16th century wooden roof with wooden carved bosses”

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1204770?section=official-list-entry

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, boss
Billinghay, St Michael, Royal Arms
Billinghay, St Michael, Royal Arms
Billinghay, St Michael, Royal Arms

Sited on the west wall of the nave. Royal Arms of 1801-16. Marked at the base 'Anthony Radford Churchwarden 1801 Everitt Painter'. The board also contains the Lord's Prayer, the Commandments & the Creed.

Mark Acton, 2018

Billinghay, Royal Arms
Billinghay, St Michael, Royal Arms
Billinghay, St Michael, Royal Arms
Billinghay, St Michael, Royal Arms
A closer view of the George III Royal Arms.
 
Jean Howard 13 January 2025  
Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, royal arms
Billinghay, St Michael, South Aisle, Altar
Billinghay, St Michael, South Aisle, Altar
Billinghay, St Michael, South Aisle, Altar

A small plaque on the altar rail records:

 THIS ALTAR TABLE WAS MADE BY ERIC WILSON/ AND IS GIVEN IN MEMORY OF ERIC AND LILIAN/ WHO DIED ON 13TH JANUARY 1994/ AND 28TH MAY 1992 BY THEIR CHILDREN/ MICHAEL AND JANE

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, altar
Billinghay, St Michael, South Aisle, East Window
Billinghay, St Michael, South Aisle, East Window
Billinghay, St Michael, South Aisle, East Window
The south aisle stained east window was put in to celebrate the Millennium and unveiled by the Bishop of Grantham Alistair Redfearn, during the Billinghay Feast in October 2000.
 
It was designed by Gordon Monaghan of Peterborough and shows a local scene including St Michael’s church, the neighbouring thatched cottage and the River Skirth; two men harvesting by hand, a basket of potatoes, another of fruit and a cockerel. A text panel reads:
 
CELEBRATING 2000 YEARS OF CHRISTIANITY/ LIFT UP YOUR EYES,/ AND/ LOOK ON THE FIELDS/ FOR THEY ARE RIPE/ ALREADY FOR HARVEST. 
 
Jean Howard 13 January 2025  
Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, window stained glass
Billinghay, St Michael, South Aisle, East Window, Signature
Billinghay, St Michael, South Aisle, East Window, Signature
Billinghay, St Michael, South Aisle, East Window, Signature
The signature includes John IV 35 – the quotation is from John’s Gospel chapter 4 verse 35 – and the initials SAC.
 
Jean Howard 13 January 2025  
Billinghay, Saint Michael Church
Billinghay, St Michael, Steeple
Billinghay, St Michael, Steeple
Billinghay, St Michael, Steeple

Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1919 states :-

"The church of St. Michael is a large edifice of oolitic stone, in the Early Perpendicular and Decorated styles, consisting of chancel, with organ chamber and vestry (added in 1895 at the cost of £104), nave, aisles, south porch and a western tower, with pinnacles and spire, containing a clock and 3 bells:

the aisles are separated from the nave by arcades of plain Pointed arches, with clustered columns on the south side and octagonal columns on the north side and the east window is stained:

in 1880 a memorial pulpit with a prayer desk; costing about. £40, was erected by friends of the Rev. Edward Charles Frederick Jenkins M.A. vicar 1832-80:

the north aisle was rebuilt and the church thoroughly restored and reseated in 1856, and the chancel has also been restored:

there are 300 sittings" 

DB 25 June 2018 

Billinghay, Saint Michael, Church
Billinghay, St Michael, Tower, Clock
Billinghay, St Michael, Tower, Clock
Billinghay, St Michael, Tower, Clock

Detail of clock on the west face of the tower. 

"C19 metal clock face with above again a small plaque inscribed W:K. 1787"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1204770 

DB 25 June 2020

Billinghay, Saint Michael, Church, clock
Billinghay, St Michael, Tower, Doorway
Billinghay, St Michael, Tower, Doorway
Billinghay, St Michael, Tower, Doorway

‘The tower arch is double chamfered and pointed with single shaft responds with moulded capitals and bases.’

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1204770?section=official-list-entry  

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, doorway
Billinghay, St Michael, War Memorial
Billinghay, St Michael, War Memorial
Billinghay, St Michael, War Memorial
Billinghay St Michael WWII memorial plaque.
 
A full list of those recorded on this engraved brass plaque can be found on:
https://www.roll-of-honour.com/Lincolnshire/Billinghay.html
 
Jean Howard 13 January 2025 
Billinghay, Saint Michael Church, War Memorial
Billinghay, Street Scene
Billinghay, Street Scene
Billinghay, Street Scene

The windmill is South's or Black Mill.

It worked until just before the Second World War. Only the derelict bottom two storeys remain.

undated postcard

Billinghay, windmill,
Billinghay, Vicarage
Billinghay, Vicarage
Billinghay, Vicarage

The old vicarage, now a listed building, was sold in 1734 when this replacement vicarage was built.

DB 25 June 2020

Billinghay, Vicarage
Billinghay, Vicarage
Billinghay, Vicarage
Billinghay, Vicarage

"Cottage. Early C18 with late C18 and C20 alterations"

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1061744 

"A cottage built in the mid 17th century which served as a vicarage until 1734. The building was converted to a museum and visitor centre in c.1989"

https://www.lincstothepast.com/The-Old-Vicarage-and-associated-outhouse--Billinghay/239526.record?pt=S 

DB 23 August 2020

Billinghay, Cottage, vicarage
Billinghay, Victoria&nbspStreet
Billinghay, Victoria Street
Billinghay, Victoria Street

To the right are the memorial cross dedicated in 1922 and the now closed Cross Keys pub. Smith's mill is in the distance.

Postcard by Raphael Tuck sent in 1940. 

Billinghay,
Billinghay, War Memorial
Billinghay, War Memorial
Billinghay, War Memorial

The Memorial stands at the junction of Church Street and Bridge Street. It is made of Glencoe grey granite and consists of a round column rising from a square plinth to an elaborate fleur-de-lys. It is listed Grade II:

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1434868?section=official-list-entry

See also:

https://www.roll-of-honour.com/Lincolnshire/Billinghay.html

for more information about those commemorated.

Jean Howard 8 January 2025 

Billinghay, war memorial
Billinghay, War Memorial
Billinghay, War Memorial
Billinghay, War Memorial

The names of those who died are listed on all four faces of the base. Although the memorial was dedicated 16 April 1922, names were added after the Second World War and, following further research, additional names relating to both wars were added in 2009. These included Robert Forth, Frederick Pask and George Wells on this face.

Jean Howard 8 January 2025 

Billinghay, war memorial
Billinghay, Water Tower
Billinghay, Water Tower
Billinghay, Water Tower

On the edge of the village at National Grid Reference TF143551.

According to a Tweet by Anglian Water "It holds 0.6million litres and was built in the 1950s"

DB 13 June 2020

Billinghay, Water Tower
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel

"A List And Brief Details Of Chapels In The Sleaford Circuit Past And Present" prepared by  Colin Shepherdson & Peter Robinson June 1996 states :-

"i) A dwelling house was licensed for worship in 1793.

The Society subsequently rented a chapel, erected in 1817, but in 1832 they built their own chapel in King Street.

This chapel has since been demolished.

ii) The second chapel, in Victoria Street, was built in 1867 but very soon had to be demolished and was replaced in 1869 by another on the same site.

This chapel is still in use"

DB 25 June 2018

Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Church
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel

Still in use at the time of this visit and now with two new noticeboards. The infilling of the former two entrances for a larger central one has given capacity for stepped and ramped access and better use of space within. This comprises a glazed inner porch with a small office to the right and a disabled toilet to the left.

Jean Howard 8 January 2025 

Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Church
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel

This view from the porch shows the raised dais with decorative iron railings, lectern and organ. Blue hymn books, banners and carpet unify the interior. Note the ceiling roses and the decorative mouldings to the cornice.

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Church
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel

Looking from the dais back to the entrance area, showing blue and lilac seat cushions. Great care has been taken to ensure symmetry even to the pair of noticeboards at the back. The former gallery above the entrance is no longer used and is curtained off.

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Church
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Bible Inscription
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Bible Inscription
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Bible Inscription

This signature was found in the Bible on display. John Locking Willows was born in Tetney in 1837. He married Rebecca Callow at Sleaford in 1857 and they moved to Billinghay where he appears in the 1861 census as a baker. From 1871 to 1891 he is described as a baker and grocer but he had retired to Lincoln by 1901 leaving his elder son Edward to operate the business in Billinghay.

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Church
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Ceiling Rose
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Ceiling Rose
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Ceiling Rose

The detail of the central rose has been picked out in peach to match the two end walls of the room.

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Church
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Chapel Member
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Chapel Member
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Chapel Member

Displayed in a silver frame this photograph is of Edith Marriott who was a Sunday School teacher  in the 1970s and 1980s.

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Church
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Millennium Embroidery
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Millennium Embroidery
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Millennium Embroidery

This cross-stitch panel is displayed in the entrance porch. It was completed in 2000 and represents all the many organisations that existed in the village at the time.

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Church, Millennium Embroidery
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Millennium Embroidery
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Millennium Embroidery
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Millennium Embroidery

Billinghay chapel millennium embroidery key

Above the fabric panel this calligraphy explains the organisations represented and the craftsperson who worked each section. From the top left-hand corner these are: Toddlers Club, Ruth Allen; The Rainbows, Lynne Blades; The Brownies, Lynne Blades; Girl Guides, Ruth Allen; The Scouts, Jane White; Swimming Pool, Judy Humpherston; Play Group, Val Beckett; Cricket Club, Val Beckett; Local Dialect, Val Beckett; C of E School, Sue Kent; Parish Church, Diane Tonge; Lafford High School, Shirley Rowett; Medical Practice, Loraine Gilbert; Billinghay Rovers Football Club, Teresa Coupland; Billinghay Football Club, Alison Lawson; Methodist Church, Cynthia Creasey; The Water Tower, Margaret Baker; Billinghay 2000, Jane White; War Memorial, Diane Tonge; Baptist Chapel, Loraine Gilbert; The Bowls Club, Alison Lawson; Billinghay Feast, Diane Tonge; British Legion Men’s Section, Kath Hansard; Twinning with Ballon-France, Lydia Hodson; Village Hall, Val Beckett; River Skirth, Shirley Wright; British Legion Women’s Section, Kath Hansard; Tennis Club, Diane Tonge; Young Farmers, Shirley Wright; Museum, Kathryn Tonge; Tuesday Club, Melissa Coupland; The Mill, Kathleen Smith; Darby & Joan, Margaret Baker; R.A.O.B. St David’s Lodge, Kathleen Smith; Fire Service, Shirley Rowitt.

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Church, Millennium Embroidery
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Organ
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Organ
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Organ

No maker’s mark could be found on the instrument.

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Church, organ
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Sanctuary
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Sanctuary
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Sanctuary

A closer view of the focal point of the service.

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Church
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, War Memorial
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, War Memorial
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, War Memorial

A beautiful and unusual memorial of grey marble depicting an angel holding a square of fabric on which the names are engraved: TO THE GLORY OF GOD/ AND IN SACRED MEMORY OF THOSE/ OF THIS PARISH/ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE/ GREAT WAR 1914-1919. Then in two columns: S. G. ATCHINSON, J. E. BAILEY, J. BAVIN, H. BEE, G. CHAMBERLAIN, E. CUNNINGTON, A. FRANKLIN, J. HARVEY, W. HARVEY, J. HILDRED, E. KETTLES, J. KING, J. KNOTT, J. MASON, G. MAPLETHORPE, A. MUFFITT, J. R. PALEY, J. R. PALMER, L. W. RIPPON, W. R. SAWYER, F. SCOTT, J. SHARP, H. SHARP, H. SPENCER, C. L. SOUTH, A. J. SUMPTER, J. E. TAYLOR, W. H. TOULSON, T. A. TOWL, W. VICKERS, W. H. WATSON, J. WATTAM, R. L. WILLIAMSON, A. WELLS, SISTER N. WILLSON An additional brass plaque beneath adds: Dedicated to the Glory of God/ In loving memory of the men connected/ with this Church who sacrificed/ their lives in the Great War 1914-1918.

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Church
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, War Memorial
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, War Memorial
Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, War Memorial

Billinghay chapel WWII War Memorial

Beneath the memorial for the Great War is one of white marble on a wooden backing remembering the two chapel members who lost their lives in the Second World War.

Jean Howard 13 January 2025 

Billinghay, Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Church, war memorial
North Kyme, Coach & Horses (Tattershall Rd, Billinghay)
North Kyme, Coach & Horses (Tattershall Rd, Billinghay)
North Kyme, Coach & Horses (Tattershall Rd, Billinghay)

Image repeated from North Kyme. Coach & Horses is on the outskirts of Billinghay but actually in the parish of Kyme.

As Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1905 puts it "A small stream, called the Skirth, sometimes navigable, and dividing North Kyme from Billinghay, passes through the parish, which is also traversed by the old Roman Car dyke"

Listed in Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1905 "Smith Joseph, Coach & Horses P.H. & farmer"

Signboard recently removed as witness the cones in the foreground - for sale when this image was taken with offers over £300,000 requested. 

DB 25 June 2020 

North Kyme, Coach & Horses, Billinghay
North Kyme, Kesteven House (Tattershall Rd, Billinghay)
North Kyme, Kesteven House (Tattershall Rd, Billinghay)
North Kyme, Kesteven House (Tattershall Rd, Billinghay)

Image repeated from North Kyme. Kesteven House is on the outskirts of Billinghay but actually in the parish of Kyme. 

Former police station dating from late C19.

https://www.lincstothepast.com/Kesteven-House--Tattershall-Road--Billinghay/239540.record?pt=S 

DB 25 June 2018 

Billinghay, Kesteven House, Police Station, North Kyme