b'St Mary, SkirpenbeckSkirpenbeck lies just north of the A166 road,The church is fortunate to have a very some two miles to the north-west of Stamfordbeautiful baptismal font, originally sited outside Bridge, where King Harold of England defeatedthe building and carved with overlapping Harald Hardrada, King of Norway, on 25thRomanesque arches, which dates it to the September 1066. Less than three weeks later,transition between Norman and Early English King Harold would lose his life at Hastings in thestyles. Unusually, an original 12th century defeat by the Norman invaders. arrow-slit window remains in the north wall The parish church of St Marys is a Grade II*(such windows were almost always enlarged). listed building, sitting at the eastern end of theThe organ was built in 1848 by Joseph Bell long winding village street. The list of rectorsof Yorkone of the only two he madeand starts in 1274 and there was a settlementimportant for being in its original state, not around the church before that. Markings nearelectrified. Clear glass panes in the East window the bell tower appear to be Saxon runes.give onto trees beyond and at the centre of Skirpenbecks first baron was the Norman Sirthe window is a stained glass Trinity, designed William de Chauncey and it is entirely reasonablein 1967 by Harry Harvey (1922-2011). The to suppose that the church dates from thatcombination of seeing through the window and period. gazing at the central image makes a valued contribution to the worship of God here.Seating Capacity: 70Graveyard: OpenLay participation: Lesson readers, IntercessionsServices per month: 1Attendance: 22Approx Civil Population 145Page 33'