The Parish of St Andrew, Willoughton. Information about St Andrew. Saint Andrew was one of the twelve apostles. He lived in Capernaum where he made his living as a fisherman. He was the brother of Simon Peter and a follower of John the Baptist before becoming a disciple of Christ. In the Gospels we learn of him helping in the distribution of the loaves and fishes to feed the 5000, and for bringing certain Greeks to meet Jesus (John 12: 20-22). There is no record as to where he was sent to proselytize following Our Lord's ascension, but legend holds that it was Greece. He died around 60 A.D Information about the Church building and its history. Directions: St. Andrew’s stands in a back lane off the village street, but its tower is easily seen. Willoughton is best reached via the B1398 "Cliff Road" from Kirton Lindsey to Lincoln, but it is also signposted from the A15. Set in a pretty sloping churchyard, with Lincoln Cliff as a backdrop, St. Andrews’ pyramid-roofed tower, circular bell-opening and big house-like windows give it an individual appearance. They also identify it as a completely Georgian church, something comparatively unusual in these parts. It was indeed entirely built in 1794, though (as so often happens) it incorporates relics of earlier churches on the same site, most noticeably the thirteenth century arch into the chancel, with slots for the "rood beam" which once supported a great carved crucifix. In a glass case nearby are a battered chalice and communion plate from the grave of a mediaeval vicar, while within the seventeenth century altar rails is the monument of Nicholas Sutton, ‘Whome age and sickness brought to his beere" in 1602. These things apart, the bright white-washed walls and flat blue ceiling give the interior a Georgian air, and it was probably at this period that Willoughton acquired its greatest curiosity, now mounted high above the inner door. This is a mighty "vamping horn", one of only six surviving in England. A kind of primitive megaphone, it was used (in the days before church organs became common) to lead the singing of the choir or even to provide a hummed accompaniment. Its note, indeed, is said to be audible over a mile away, and it was sometimes borrowed for use as a village alarm clock, or to summon gleaners to and from the harvest field. Willoughton’s community life is also reflected by a modern treasure, no less remarkable in its way. For in front of the altar rail lies a beautifully embroidered kneeler illustrating the words of the "Benedicite" chant ("All Ye Works of the Lord, Bless Ye the Lord") with scenes of village activities. Thus the Winds of God" dry hung-out washing "Fire and Heat" burn hedge clippings and operate West Burton Power Station; and the "Nights and Moon" panel shows a tractor ploughing by moonlight. Text about the church building is written by Charles Kightly and copyright is held by West Lindsey District Council Tourism Development Office. Reproduced on this page with their kind permission. Please visit their website for more information.WLDC Tourism Office |
