About Us

Croughton church is a beautiful ancient and ageless church, enhanced by mediaeval wall paintings, peaceful and steeped in prayer - a welcoming Christian focus for the whole village.

We are an active and enthusiastic church in the heart of our village. People come from all over the country and the world to admire our building, but it is the people that really make All Saints' special. We have wonderful volunteers who mow, clean, arrange flowers, ring and maintain bells, raise money, open the church for visitors, and provide music for our services.

At our heart we are an open community of prayer. We welcome anyone in to join us as we pray for the world, our village, and ourselves. If you have never been before you are welcome to join us; if you have been you already know this. We have a service every Sunday, unless otherwise advertised. 

We are fortunate to have a close relationship with our excellent church school in the village, and are pleased to have members of our church who go into school weekly. We welcome the whole school to services every Term and to mark important moments in the Christian year, or in the life of our nation or school family. 

We also have an active bell ringing team, and welcome in groups like the Beavers and other organisations. 

Sadly we cannot leave our church open at present, but it is open on Wednesdays for anyone to visit and pray, or at other times through the week. Appointments to visit may also be made. 

Our building and grounds: The remains of a Saxon preaching cross, now worn almost to a stump with a step at its base by the Northamptonshire weather, stands testament to the over 1000 years of Christian witness in our Parish.

The main body of our building dates from the 12th Century (1100s) with additions from the 14th Century. Our most famous feature are the medieval wall paintings. These were uncovered under the plaster during work in 1928. The paintings in the North aisle depict the Passion of Christ. Those in the South aisle show the life of the Virgin Mary. These paintings were originally full of colour, but the early preservation carried out by advisors from Oxford University leeched much of the pigment. However, what remains to this day depict vivid scenes that tell stories still recognisable through the centuries without the need for words. 

Work is underway to raise funds to restore them and improve access. 

Many of our pews have carved ends that date from the 14th Century, and our Rood Screen is a remarkable survival. Remains of medieval paint can clearly be seen on the roses covering the screen to the Lady Chapel in the North aisle. 

Almost all of the windows in our church are clear glass, framing the seasons outside. Our East Window was created by the renowned Sir Ninian Comper. It depicts 10 saints, all surmounted by the figure of Christ enthroned on a rainbow ruling over creation. Descriptions do not do it justice, and it should be viewed on a good day from inside.

All Saints' is a wonderful place where we celebrate God in the place we call home, which is a place that He has made for us to live and know Him. You are welcome here.

We look forward to seeing you.