Church of St John the Baptist

Church of St John the Baptist is the parish church of South Croxton, a village in the Charnwood borough of Leicestershire, England. It is a Grade II* listed building, a rating given to only a small share of listed buildings in the country, and it is the village's only active place of worship.

What is the Church of St John the Baptist in South Croxton?

The church stands in the village of South Croxton in the east of Leicestershire. It is built of ironstone rubble with ashlar dressings. Most of the fabric dates from the 14th century, and the listing describes the style as late Decorated. Today the parish is united with All Saints' in the neighbouring village of Beeby, so services and parish life are shared between the two.

How old is the church?

The main body of the building is 14th-century, but some details suggest an older church on the site. The round-headed priest's door echoes Norman work, and the windows with Y-tracery belong to the Early English period, which points to the 13th century. The most telling clue is the font. It is a small round tub with interlaced arcading, dated to the 12th century, resting on an octagonal base. Its unusual combination of arcaded patterns marks it as a survival from an earlier building. The nave roof is decorated with carved wooden angels added in the 19th century.

What can you see inside?

• The Norman font, a rare early piece with interlaced arcading, worth a close look for its carving.
• A brass memorial to Mary Barnes, who died in 1578, in the south aisle.
• A figure of St John the Baptist by Kempe, dated 1896, in the chancel. Kempe was a well-known maker of stained glass and church decoration in the Victorian period, and the figure echoes the dedication of the church.
• The nave roof, with its carved angels looking down from above.

What is around the church?

The moated area to the north of the church was once part of a medieval manor enclosure. Finds there have included Saxon remains, which shows that the ground around the church was in use long before the present building took shape. The church and the earthworks together give a layered picture of the village's past, from early settlement through the Middle Ages to the Victorian additions inside.

Is it worth a visit?

For anyone interested in English parish churches, medieval architecture or local history in Leicestershire, it is a good stop. The church was not heavily altered by Victorian rebuilding, so much of its older character has survived, and the Norman font, the Tudor-era brass and the Kempe figure give three different centuries in one small interior. South Croxton is a quiet village, so expect a peaceful visit rather than a major attraction.

Frequently asked questions

Is the church listed? Yes. It is Grade II* listed.

What period is the building? Mostly 14th century, late Decorated in style, with elements of an earlier church.

What is the oldest object inside? The font, dated to the 12th century and Norman in character.

Is there another place of worship in the village? No. A Methodist congregation existed at one time, but this church is now the only one.

Which parish is it linked with? It is united with All Saints' in Beeby.