St John the Baptist, Abthorpe

Although it is likely that there has been a church on this site since Norman times or maybe even earlier, the current church building dates from 1870 and replaces an old building with parts dating from before the 14th century. 

The church here was originally a Chapel-of-Ease attached to Towcester and the building was for many years very basic and in poor repair. The vicars from Towcester did not support the village or the church very well and in 1737, following pressure from the parishioners, Abthorpe was made a separate parish. Financial provisions for the future support of the incumbent were provided by the Leeson Trustees, a village charity established in the mid 17th century, together with other significant bequests. 

Following this, much restoration work was carried out on the church building, including a new floor and complete renewal of the pews. 

In the surge of church restoration and re-building in Victorian times it was decided to rebuild the church and this has resulted in the church that you see today. The original church was almost completely demolished and there are very few parts of the original church remaining today. 

There is a complete History and Guide for sale at the rear of the church, which has much more information about the life and times of the church in this village over the last 1000 years together with interesting details regarding the current building.
Contacts
Churchwardens

Secretary
Mrs B Malcomson
Treasurer
Mrs A Robbins
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