Church

St Edith of Polesworth, Orton on the Hill

St Edith of Polesworth, Orton on the Hill

St Edith’s is a Grade I parish church on The Green, Orton-on-the-Hill, Leicestershire, in the Diocese of Leicester and the Sheepy benefice.

Location
Orton on the Hill, Leicestershire
Country
England
County
Leicestershire
City / town
Orton on the Hill
Address
The Green, Orton on the Hill, Leicestershire, CV9 3NG
Postcode
CV9 3NG
Built
Early 14th century with later alterations; recessed spire rebuilt 1797 and partly taken down in 1950
Denomination
Church of England
Dedication
Edith
Diocese
Leicester
Parish
Sheepy with Ratcliffe Culey, Sibson, Orton-on-the-Hill, Twycross and Shenton
Grade
I
Style
Decorated
Materials
Ashlar with lead-covered roofs of low pitch
Grid reference
SK 304 039
Opening hours
We are open every Saturday and Sunday during British Summer time and at any other time by contacting us.
Access
Level access to the main areas

Overview

Historic England records an early fourteenth-century parish church with later alterations, built of ashlar with lead-covered roofs of low pitch. The plan is a three-stage west tower, four-bay nave with aisle and porch, and two-bay chancel. The tower is crenellated, with a square-headed west door, a trefoiled lancet above, and Y-traceried belfry openings. The recessed spire was rebuilt in 1797 and partly taken down in 1950; it is octagonal with two tiers of lucarnes.

The south aisle has Decorated and reticulated tracery. Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register records the 1797 spire rebuild, its partial taking-down in 1950, a renewed chancel roof, and heritage crime in 2019. The National Churches Trust notes that the north aisle was demolished in 1763, leaving a smaller church.

Further Information