Kettlethorpe, St. Peter & St. Paul's Church

This is a simple country church in an idyllic situation beside the restored manor house. The original 12th century church was largely rebuilt in the 19th century but retains several items of historical interest. The most fascinating of these is a superb 16th century pulpit.

There is an interesting story behind the pulpit; it was not built for Kettlethorpe, indeed, we don't know for certain where its original home was. It was discovered while a native of the village was on holiday in Europe. She found the pulpit covered in dust in an antique shop in Brittany and thought it might do for her parish church back home. Lo and behold, when the pulpit was cleaned up it proved to be a superbly carved piece of art, worthy of gracing any church. The detail of carving is quite special.

Kettlethorpe is most widely known for its association with Katherine Swynford, mistress, and later wife, of John of Gaunt. Swynford married Sir Hugh Swynford, holder of the manor here. Of that original manor only the gatehouse arch remains. Though on private land, it can be viewed clearly from the churchyard.

It is popular belief that Goeffrey Chaucer's wife was Ketherine's sister, so it is possible that Chaucer himself visited Kettlethorpe and worshiped in the church. We do not know how many years Katherine lived at Swynford. She left following Sir Hugh's death in 1371, but she continued adding to the manor estate after that time. Katherine Swynford is buried in Lincoln Cathedral.

The 16th century pulpit

In the churchyard stands a medieval cross.