St Botolph's Longthorpe

Longthorpe is a small village just to the west of Peterborough, having been all but swallowed up by the growth of the latter over the years. The word "Thorpe" is often used as part of the name of a village close to a large town. This is a very historic area with a Roman Fort built here possibly as far back as 44AD. A large contingent of Roman soldiers from the fort here were massacred by the local Iceni tribe, who were later to be led by the famous Boudicca.   Close to the church in Longthorpe Tower, which houses the finest collection of medieval wall paintings to be seen in northern europe.   The church of St Botolph sits on slightly raised ground to the west of the village. Beautiful thatched cottages stand opposite. The bell tower has been replaced, and the whole of the south side of the church has been re-developed in more recent years. There is now a south porch and vestry added. Originally the church here stood in a different position. This was taken down at re-built in this present position in or around 1260. There were no burials here until the late 17th century, when the church was consecrated to allow the right of burial for the inhabitants. In 1683 much work was done here, including the laying of a new floor. The first stone was laid by six years old William Leafield, the eldest son of George. Sadly, two years later, William was the first to be buried in the newly consecrated building!   A single bell hangs here. The western bell tower was replaced in late Victorian times.

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