St Peter and Pauls Church
The church building has traditional or late Norman details with the entrance being at the base of the tower. In 1096, the church was in normal use. The tower has three bells, dating from 1687, only one of which is in use at present. A fine 12th Century arcade separates the nave from the aisle. Its pointed arches rest on large based pillars. The capitals are decorated with bold leaf carvings. The chancel was a later edition with the stained glass in the east window dating from 1958. There is original 15th century ironwork on the west door. Ancient texts depicting the 10 Commandments hang inside the door.
However, the archives tell us that there was a building here in much earlier times. When the church yard was excavated to bring in piped water, the following items were discovered:-
A Roman brick
Pottery ranging from Saxon to 15th Century
A sherd of 5th - 8th century (earliest find)
Sandy sherd of 9th - 11th century
6 sherds of 12th - 15th century
A sherd of Toyton ware pottery of 13th - 15th century
Piece of 13th - 14th century glazed floor tile manufactured in Lincoln
2 pieces of pottery mid 18th - 19th century
The presence of Saxon pottery on the site which pre-dates the church is not unexpected given the likely early origin of the settlement.
Co-incidentally, the font is crude and is octagonal with broaches at the corners and is believed to be Saxon as is the main archway into the church. A Saxon wall drawing was also found in the church.
The Church has required substantial renovations over the years. In 1845, Archdeacon Stonehouse reported that “Owmby is an old ruinous fabric, held together by the lead covering the roof.” The roof actually collapsed in 1939, revealing beams and rafters which had been completely ravaged by woodworm. Repairs were rapidly carried out and by January 1940 , a new roof had been constructed above the nave, aisle and tower.
Further work was carried out in 1972, including renewal of stonework, re-hanging of the bells, installation of heaters and re-decoration. In 1991, as a result of its closure, Normanby Methodist Chapel donated its organ to Owmby Church.
In 2000, the Church was re-roofed. Although occasional financial support was received, the majority of the work was funded by the generosity of the local community.
In 2003, £1600 was raised from a Flower Festival for the re-decoration of the Church. Preparatory work however, suddenly uncovered the need for urgent structural repairs; lintels over two mediaeval windows were close to collapse, one wall was collapsing outward, and walls not joined together were moving apart. A scheme for the works was prepared, grants were successfully applied for, and once again the local community rallied around to raise the necessary funds. The work was completed and our Church redecorated in 2005.
During 2006 we undertook some external repairs, including a new vestry door, a ramped path, a new gate, lightning conductor, re-pointing, stonework and lead work.
The inscriptions on the three bells reads:-
Let us remember the 5th of November.
WSHW 1687
When you die, aloud I cry
WSHW 1687
God save the King
WSHW 1687.
(WSHW refers to the bell founders William Seller of York, Humphrey Wilkinson of Lincoln).
The PCC of Owmby with Normanby.
Revd. Sally Turnbull – Rector 07549522494
Mrs. Lizabeth Harris - Church Warden ALM
Sunday School Teacher. - 01673 878829.