The church of St Giles at Costock was never a large building, a simple nave and chancel without any kind of tower dating from the mid 14th century. It was enlarged in 1848 when the present north aisle and bellcote at the west end were added. The most notable feature externally is the medieval tomb recess on the south side of the nave.

Inside there are a couple of old features such as some quaint medieval carvings on the benches at the west end. The stained glass is early 20th century work by Burlison & Grylls.

On my first visit here we found the church locked. On my second visit I found it open (it was Nottingham Diocese open churches day on both visits but Costock was not listed as taking part on either occasion). Therefore I'm not sure what the arrangement is, but guess it's normally kept locked and the second time I just got lucky.
southwellchurches.nottingham.ac.uk/costock/hintro.php

Tags:   Costock church Nottinghamshire memorial monument

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Car Colston's church of St Mary is distinguished by it's very tall and impressive tower, followed by a more modest nave and surprisingly grand 14th century chancel, which is somewhat out of proportion with the rest of the building.

It is quite difficult to photograph the interior, given the huge contrast between the dark nave and the light-flooded chancel. By far the best feature within is the magnificent 14th century sedillia, rich in foliage and small grimacing faces. By contrast the ancient font is one of the plainest I've seen, like an oil drum in stone.

The church appears to be normally open.

Tags:   Nottinghamshire Car Colston church carving medieval

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Tomb of Henry Sacheverell (d.1580) and his wife Jane on the north side of the chancel.

To most the name Ratcliffe on Soar will be familiar for a landmark that can be seen for miles around, the eight enormous cooling towers of the power station that dominates the area like some great herd of monstrous concrete beasts. It is thus surprising to find a short distance away a rural village whose ancient church is so enfolded by trees that one can forget the modern behemoths glowering nearby and be transported back to earlier centuries.

Holy Trinity church appears to be a mainly 14th century building with a west tower and spire and nave flanked by aisles on both sides, all with a somewhat rustic finish despite some handsome traceried windows. Within there is a fair degree of light owing to the windows being entirely plain-glazed (tricky to photograph in certain conditions owing to the strong contrast of light and shadow). It is obviously a building of some antiquity and interest.

However the main reason for visiting this church is not the building itself but rather the contents, namely the rich collection of alabaster tombs with recumbent effigies from the late medieval and Tudor periods, most of which commemorate members of the Sacheverell family. Nottinghamshire was once also the centre of the alabaster industry, and this church's collection of funerary monuments is a fitting testament to this.

Ratcliffe on Soar church was generally kept open to visitors in pre-Covid days and is one of the most rewarding churches in the area.
southwellchurches.nottingham.ac.uk/ratcliffe-on-soar/hhis...

Tags:   Ratcliffe on Soar church Nottinghamshire tomb monument Tudor sculpture effigy

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Detail from the tomb of Sir Hugh de Willoughby (d.1448) and his second wife, Margaret Freville (d.1493) in the north chapel.

St Mary & All Saints, Willoughby on the Wolds, a church justly celebrated for its collection of eight 14th-15th century effigies crammed into a chapel added to the north side, including some fine examples of Nottingham alabaster. More on the tombs at the following:-
southwellchurches.nottingham.ac.uk/willoughby-on-the-wold...

Visited as part of one of Nottinghamshire's Open Churches weekends in July 2018 as normally kept locked these days (several people on duty here, very welcoming and forthcoming, treating me to fruit juice and a cup of tea between taking photos!).

Tags:   Willoughby on the Wolds church Nottinghamshire medieval tomb monument relief sculpture

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