All Saints' Church, Middleton Cheney

All Saints' Church in Middleton Cheney is the Church of England parish church of the village of Middleton Cheney in Northamptonshire, England, a few miles from the market town of Brackley. It is listed Grade I, the highest category of protection in England, which places it among the most significant historic buildings in the country.

What is the church known for?

The most recognisable feature is the tall spire. It crowns a west tower in the Perpendicular style and rises about 150 feet above the village, so it can be seen from the surrounding countryside. The church is also known for its stained glass, with windows linked to Edward Burne-Jones and the Morris workshop, the circle of Arts and Crafts artists who shaped Victorian church decoration.

When was it built and what style is it?

The main body of the church dates from the early 14th century and belongs to the Decorated phase of English Gothic. Inside, the nave is tall and clerestoried, with aisles on both sides divided from it by four-bay arcades. The south doorway is original. Most of the windows have been renewed over the centuries, so the glazing reflects several periods rather than a single moment.

The Perpendicular west tower and spire were added later, giving the building two distinct architectural characters: the earlier Decorated nave and the more vertical, angular tower. In 1865 the church was restored under the architect George Gilbert Scott, one of the leading church architects of the Victorian era.

What is the history of the parish?

The parish has a long recorded history. William Edington was rector here between 1322 and 1335, a period soon after the church was built. The spire has also had a dramatic past: it was struck by lightning three times in the 18th century, in 1720, 1794 and 1797. Each repair is part of the long story of a building that villagers have maintained for roughly seven hundred years.

What should a visitor look for?

• The spire and Perpendicular tower, best seen from the road approaching the village.
• The Decorated nave with its four-bay arcades and clerestory.
• The original south doorway.
• The stained glass connected with Burne-Jones and Morris.
• The 15th-century font.

Frequently asked questions

Is All Saints' Church in Middleton Cheney still used for worship? Yes. It is the active Anglican parish church of the village.

What does Grade I listing mean? It is the top tier of England's listed-building system, reserved for buildings of exceptional interest. Only a small share of listed buildings receive it.

Where is it? In Middleton Cheney, Northamptonshire, close to Banbury and Brackley, at roughly 52.07 N, 1.27 W.

Is it worth a visit? For architecture and stained glass enthusiasts, yes. The combination of a 14th-century interior, a tall medieval spire and Victorian-era glass makes it a rewarding stop in this part of Northamptonshire.