Church of St Mary the Virgin

Church of St Mary the Virgin stands on a small knoll at the southern end of Badby, a village in Northamptonshire a few miles from Daventry. It is a Grade II* listed parish church, and most of what you see today dates from the 14th century.

What is the history of the church?

Sources point to Saxon-era settlement of the knoll and mention an enclosure here as early as the 9th century. Archaeological work during interior renovation in 2018 turned up hints of an earlier building, though these remain the only traces of worship on the site before the present church.

The chancel, nave and aisles belong to the early 14th century. The clerestory, the row of upper windows that lights the nave, was added in the 15th century and is one of the church's more notable features. A porch followed in the 16th century. The church was dedicated to Our Lady before the Reformation, as the name suggests.

What happened to the tower?

The tower collapsed around 1703–1704 and was rebuilt around 1707–1709. The collapse was not entirely a surprise: diocesan commissioners had warned about the tower's condition back in 1631 and 1637. The church was restored again in 1880 under the architect E. F. Law.

Who looked after the parish?

From 1285 the right to appoint the parish priest belonged to Evesham Abbey. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, it passed to Christ Church, Oxford, which held it until 1919. The Northamptonshire Record Office keeps the parish registers, which begin in 1655.

What can you see in the churchyard?

The churchyard was closed to burials in 1886, and the parish cemetery now lies on Brookside Lane. Older graves surround the building and add to the quiet, village-green atmosphere of the setting.

Can you visit?

The church is open daily, which makes it an easy stop for walkers and anyone exploring the villages around Daventry. Badby is a pretty place in its own right, and the church on its hill is the natural starting point for a short stroll through the village.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the church? In Badby, Northamptonshire, England, close to Daventry.

How old is it? The main structure is early 14th century, with a 15th-century clerestory, a 16th-century porch and a tower rebuilt in the early 1700s.

Is it a listed building? Yes, it is Grade II* listed.

Is it open to visitors? Sources indicate it is open daily, but check locally before a special trip.

Is the churchyard still used for burials? No. It closed to burials in 1886.