Our District Churches – In colour
No 21: St Mary Magdalen at Shearby.
An imposing building on a high hill, St Mary Magdalen overlooks the village of Shearsby, built so that the men and women of the village could see it standing as a reminder of their Christian calling. It looks rather squat nowadays as the added roof put on in 1856 by F W Ordish lifted the nave so that it reaches nearly to the top of the tower!
Shearsby Stained Glass
Knaptoft Church
It is said that the rude screen came from nearby Knaptoft church along with two of the bells!
If you don’t know, Knaptoft church was built in the 13th Century and believed to have been destroyed by Parliamentary Forces after the Battle of Naseby in 1645. It is now a ruin however there are services held outdoors at 3pm on the third Sunday of the months of June, July, August and September. The most recent service was on Sunday 20 September.
One of the more interesting features of Shearsby is the stained glass windows, of modern design, showing the Parable of the Sower. It was created in 1966 by Henry Harvey, a leading stained glass maker of his day.
Henry was a protégé glassmaker who helped in the revival of glass painting. His work can be seen in Carlisle, Ripon and Sheffield Cathedrals so to have the humble Shearsby Church with one of his works it is quite notable.
Another notable feature is the organ which was repositioned in 1987 and displays some spectacularly decorated pipes as can be seen in the picture.
Kibworth Harcourt Parish Council Meeting
