Harby with Swinethorpe

All Saints

Newark Archdeaconry

Newark and Southwell Deanery

Introduction

The current All Saints’ church replaced a much earlier building with Norman origins that stood a few metres to the south, its dilapidation and the growing popularity of non-conformist worship prompted the fundraising appeal, building and opening of the new church in 1877.

Harby is a sleepy village on the Nottinghamshire / Lincolnshire border with a relatively unremarkable history other than the death of Queen Eleanor here in 1290. Eleanor of Castile was the wife of King Edward I, and between 1291 and 1294 he had crosses erected at each of the stopping points between Lincoln and her final resting place in London.

From the foundation of the Chantry Chapel in the old church in 1294 to the dedication of the Queen Eleanor window in 2008, this event has played a significant role in shaping the community and Parish Church.

Particular thanks to Richard Croft for research on this entry