Worlaby is one of the string of five ‘Low Villages’ nestling under the northern edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds between Brigg and the River Humber. The name Worlaby is Saxon and there had been a church here in Saxon times. All that remains of this church is the lovely Saxon Arch at the base of the tower.
The present church is set above the eastern edge of the village and isn’t visible from the main road through the village. It was almost completely rebuilt between 1873-5 in the early English Gothic style.
Externally it is a simple church with a tall narrow tower at the west end topped with a short spire. The corners of the tower and chancel are well buttressed.
Inside it is an attractive church with bare stone walls and wood beamed roof. Arcades separate nave and side aisles. Furnishings are C19th. On the floor next to the C19th font is the remains of the Saxon font, rescued from serving as a garden tub for many years.
Steps lead up to the chancel with a modern altar in front of a stone reredos. The east window has a single panel of stained glass showing Christ Crucified. On the floor to the left of the altar is an incised slab dating from 1325, depicts a merchant and his wife with dogs at their feet.
On a ledge in the vestry at the end of the south aisle is a C14th effigy of a lady which was moved from the porch. Beneath it is the Tudor altar.
The St Clement’s window in the north aisle has images of St Clement and St Hugh. St Clement is on the left, with the anchored that was tied to him when he was martyred by being flung into the sea. St Hugh is shown on the right with his pet swan.
Don’t miss the fragment of a carving of a Roman foot dug up in the churchyard, which is now displayed on the back windowledge.
The church is open daylight hours on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. There is on street parking near the church. The nearest post code is DN20 0NH and the grid reference is TA 015140
There are more pictures “here.”:http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/churches/england/lincolnshire/lincolnshire_five/worlaby/index.html
