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The church is a striking landmark with tower and spire rising to 180 feet, the second tallest in Nottinghamshire. A notable feature is the use of entasis on the spire to correct the perspective. The church is Listed Grade I.

The origin of the church is around 1200, the west door, in transitional style, being of this period. The original church appears to have consisted of aisled nave and chancel, of which the latter, built c.1230, survives largely intact.

The current north and south aisles were built c.1275 in an early, rather plain, Decorated style. The respond at the western end of the south arcade is in earlier style and is probably a survivor of an earlier arcade. The tower and spire were added 1300-1320 in a more ornate style. The unusual location at the end of the north aisle rather the nave may be due to the presence of bedrock closer to the surface. The west window, with reticulated tracery, may date from the same time.

The final stage of building was the addition of clerestory and south porch in the 15th century in Perpendicular style. At this time the high pitched roofs of the church were replaced with flatter lead covered roofs. These were rebuilt during the restoration of 1872, the chancel roof reverting to its original steep pitch.

The interior of the church is largely lacking in decorative stonework, the principal feature being the fine triple sedilia in Early English style with trefoiled arches in the chancel. Alongside this is a double piscina, also with trefoiled head, and two finely scalloped basins. On the opposite side of the sanctuary is a twin aumbry with triangular heads; a third aumbry also exists behind the reredos panelling.

A 15th century parclose screen, formerly in the north aisle, currently forms part of the choir vestry at the western end of the north aisle.

Other early timberwork can be found in the pulpit, a Victorian creation incorporating late 16th century oak bench ends.

Also Victorian is the font, a more elaborate version of the 17th century font (Listed Grade II) which currently resides in the churchyard. The rood screen was erected in 1905 following the design of the 15th century parclose screen.

For more information about this church, visit the Southwell & Nottingham Church History Project Link