Heckington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

The church dates from circa 1300 onwards. It was restored in 1867 and 1887. It is one of the finest 14th century churches in England. Built between 1305 and 1333, it replaced an earlier church which was recorded in the Domesday book. The church was probably begun by Lora de Gant, Lady of the Manor of Heckington. Its greatest glories are due to the generosity of two men linked with King Edward II, Lord Henry de Beaumont and master Richard de Potesgrave. Beaumont's coat of arms once appeared in many of the stained-glass windows. Richard de Potesgrave (circa 1275 to 1349) was rector of Heckington in 1309 and was the Kings' chaplain. In 1321 he was given custody of Leeds Castle in Kent. The church consists of a west tower with spire, clerestoried nave, north and south aisles, transepts, chancel, south porch and north Chapel The three stage tower and spire is 185 feet high with three tiers of lucarnes. There are multiple gargoyles on gabled niches as well as on crocketted pinnacles. The south porch dates from the decorated period although suffered from vandalism to statues in niches. Over the entrance is a statue of Christ in Glory. Inside, there are four bay north and south nave arcades with octagonal piers. There was originally a Rood screen separating the nave and the chancel. The north aisle is probably the oldest part of the church and the north transept was formerly used as a Chantry Chapel, the piscina is still in position. The south transept, has its own sedilia, and in the south-west corner there is a burial slab with an engraved bust, possibly Potesgrave's father from the 14th century. The south transept was probably the "Chantry of Saint Nicolas" where rector Potesgrave's parents were prayed for. The chancel was built by Potesgrave whose tomb is recessed into the north wall with a damaged effigy. He died in 1349 aged about 75, possibly of the Black Death. When the tomb was opened in 1800 his communion chalice was found inside. The east window is 34 foot high and 16 feet wide with seven lights. On the north wall of the chancel is an Easter Sepulchre, complete with sleeping soldiers beneath crocketted gables. To either side are figures, and above is the risen Christ attended by censing Angels. The Sepulchre was also used as a permanent sacrament shrine, where consecrated bread and wine were kept. There is also a double piscina in the chancel and an elaborate triple sedilia with fine decorative carvings depicting Saint Margaret with her Dragon, the coronation of the Virgin Mary and Christ, Saint Catherine with her wheel, and other Angels. Pic by Jenny.
The church dates from circa 1300 onwards. It was restored in 1867 and 1887. It is one of the finest 14th century churches in England. Built between 1305 and 1333, it replaced an earlier church which was recorded in the Domesday book. The church was probably begun by Lora de Gant, Lady of the Manor of Heckington. Its greatest glories are due to the generosity of two men linked with King Edward II, Lord Henry de Beaumont and master Richard de Potesgrave. Beaumont's coat of arms once appeared in many of the stained-glass windows. Richard de Potesgrave (circa 1275 to 1349) was rector of Heckington in 1309 and was the Kings' chaplain. In 1321 he was given custody of Leeds Castle in Kent. The church consists of a west tower with spire, clerestoried nave, north and south aisles, transepts, chancel, south porch and north Chapel The three stage tower and spire is 185 feet high with three tiers of lucarnes. There are multiple gargoyles on gabled niches as well as on crocketted pinnacles. The south porch dates from the decorated period although suffered from vandalism to statues in niches. Over the entrance is a statue of Christ in Glory. Inside, there are four bay north and south nave arcades with octagonal piers. There was originally a Rood screen separating the nave and the chancel. The north aisle is probably the oldest part of the church and the north transept was formerly used as a Chantry Chapel, the piscina is still in position. The south transept, has its own sedilia, and in the south-west corner there is a burial slab with an engraved bust, possibly Potesgrave's father from the 14th century. The south transept was probably the "Chantry of Saint Nicolas" where rector Potesgrave's parents were prayed for. The chancel was built by Potesgrave whose tomb is recessed into the north wall with a damaged effigy. He died in 1349 aged about 75, possibly of the Black Death. When the tomb was opened in 1800 his communion chalice was found inside. The east window is 34 foot high and 16 feet wide with seven lights. On the north wall of the chancel is an Easter Sepulchre, complete with sleeping soldiers beneath crocketted gables. To either side are figures, and above is the risen Christ attended by censing Angels. The Sepulchre was also used as a permanent sacrament shrine, where consecrated bread and wine were kept. There is also a double piscina in the chancel and an elaborate triple sedilia with fine decorative carvings depicting Saint Margaret with her Dragon, the coronation of the Virgin Mary and Christ, Saint Catherine with her wheel, and other Angels. Pic by Jenny.
Churchyard Cross Base of a medieval cross in St.Andrew's churchyard
St.Andrew's church, Heckington. One of the finest parish churches in Lincolnshire and arguably in all England. All built c1350 in the Decorated gothic style. Beautiful flowing reticulated and curvilenear traceried windows, a fantastic easter Sepulchre and grand, spacious proportions worthy of a large town church.
Belton Woods Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort

Belton Woods Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort

4 out of 5
Belton Grantham England
The price is £82 per night from 26 Feb to 27 Feb
£82
26 Feb - 27 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Grantham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
The room was lovely and clean.

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Belton Woods Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
The White Hart Hotel, Boston, Lincolnshire

The White Hart Hotel, Boston, Lincolnshire

4 out of 5
1-5 High Street Boston England
The price is £57 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
£57
15 Feb - 16 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Boston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (539 reviews)
Lovely staff, clean spacious room, good food.

Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026

The White Hart Hotel, Boston, Lincolnshire
Tulip Queen, Spalding by Marston's Inns

Tulip Queen, Spalding by Marston's Inns

4 out of 5
Goodison Road Spalding England
The price is £55 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
£55
15 Feb - 16 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Spalding. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (606 reviews)
Great room spacious and very clean. staff brilliant courteous and happy. great breakfast and a really good price. Would totally recommend

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

Tulip Queen, Spalding by Marston's Inns
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Painters Cottage

The Painters Cottage

2 out of 5
Heckington
Stay at this cottage in Sleaford. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and a garden. Popular attractions Heckington Station Railway And Heritage Museum and 8 Sail Brewery are located ...
The Painters Cottage
Baxter House

Baxter House

3 out of 5
109 Fydell St Boston England
Stay at this aparthotel in Boston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and Netflix. Popular attractions Macmillan Way - North and Witham Way Country Park are located ...
6.4/10 (13 reviews)
I had a nice stay and enjoyed

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2025

Baxter House
The Plough Retreat

The Plough Retreat

3 out of 5
Main Street Newark England
Stay at this apartment in Newark. Enjoy free parking and a bar/lounge. Popular attractions Newark Air Museum and ELK Motorsport are located nearby.
8.4/10 Very Good! (57 reviews)
Very convenient, central location for our needs to get to Antiques Fairs . Large, clean room / ensuite. Codes to access building and room where semt in plenty of time. One slight issue was codes given to access room had to be reset but while that was happening we were made very welcome in the pub ...

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

The Plough Retreat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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