St. John the Baptist Church, Beeston

St. John the Baptist Church is an Anglican parish church in Beeston, a town in the Broxtowe district of Nottinghamshire, on the edge of Nottingham. It is a Grade II listed building, and it combines a medieval chancel with a Victorian rebuild.

What is the history of the church?

The oldest surviving part is the chancel, which dates from the 15th century. The rest of the building was rebuilt in 1842–44 to designs by the architects George Gilbert Scott and William Bonython Moffatt, who were among the busiest church designers of the Victorian period. The Bishop of Lincoln consecrated the rebuilt church on 5 September 1844. An organ chamber was added in 1876, and the interior was reordered in 2005–06 to suit present-day use.

What is worth seeing inside?

The church holds a reeded, round font dated to the 11th century. It was reset on a base in the style of the 14th century during the rebuilding of 1842, so the bowl is far older than the building around it. Another notable fitting is the panelled alabaster pulpit on a stem, dating from 1885. For visitors interested in church architecture, the contrast between the medieval chancel, the Victorian nave and the later additions shows how the building changed over several centuries.

Is the church officially protected?

Yes. The church has been Grade II listed since 18 October 1949 (National Heritage List for England entry 1263823). It stands within the Beeston West End conservation area, which protects the character of the surrounding streets.

Is there anything else nearby?

A separately listed Grade II Crimean War memorial stands about 70 metres south-east of the church. Together, the church and the memorial make a short stop for anyone exploring the historic core of Beeston.

Frequently asked questions

Which denomination is the church? It is an Anglican church, part of the Church of England.

How old is the church? The chancel dates from the 15th century. The main body of the building was rebuilt in 1842–44, and the church was consecrated in 1844.

Who designed the Victorian rebuild? George Gilbert Scott and William Bonython Moffatt.

What is the oldest object inside? The font, which dates from the 11th century and was reset in 1842.

Is it a listed building? Yes, it has been Grade II listed since 1949.

Is the church in the centre of Nottingham? No. It is in Beeston, in the Broxtowe borough, in the Nottingham urban area, a short journey from the city centre.

Is there a war memorial nearby? Yes, a Grade II listed Crimean War memorial stands about 70 metres to the south-east.