Our Churches

St Leodegar’s, Wyberton

One of only four English churches dedicated to the French saint, Leodegar — and in both the geographical and historical centre of the parish of Wyberton, despite sitting on the “wrong” side of the A16.

The Domesday survey lists Wyberton as having a church in 1086. Nothing further is known about that building, but the one you see today had its origins in the 13th century; the remainder of the body of the church dates from the 15th century, with a Georgian apse in place of a chancel.

In 1419 the tower collapsed together with most of the nave, leaving only the chancel intact; the fallen masonry was reused to build the church standing today. The nave roof timbers have been in place since the 15th century, with moulded tie beams, wooden angels and corbels. In 1760 the leaning chancel pillars were replaced with the Georgian brick-built apse seen today, its side windows reinstated in 1973 using glass bought from the demolished St James’ Church, Boston, depicting St James, St Guthlac, St Hugh and St Botolph.

A 19th-century restoration under architect George Gilbert Scott revealed the extent of the original 13th-century building. The church has two fonts: a disused 14th-century bowl, and the 15th-century font in current use, sourced from a redundant church in Norwich. Two Norman corbel heads were recovered from the churchyard in 1956, and an incised 14th-century Tournai-marble slab depicts Adam de Frampton and his wife Sybill. The tower belfry holds three 17th-century bells. Guide compiled by Alison Austin.

Gallery

See the St Leodegar’s photo gallery →

• Full History Guide LeafletSt Leodegar's Church, Wyberton (PDF)

Wyberton War Memorial →