Church of St Mary’s and All Saints – Fotheringhay – East Northamptonshire
My debut as a professional heritage photographer, this project came about by pure chance while working in the area on the Corby by-election Campaign in 2012.
I have photographed it many times over the last seven years, charting its journey both before and after its recent major restoration. The church holds a special place in my heart for introducing me to professional photography, but even more for the adventures I have had discovering its amazing dynastic history.
I spend a great deal of time in and around the village, often to be found having a ‘Huck Finn day’ by the River Nene – home from home – I very much enjoy being part of the community. I have been made most welcome, have many wonderful memories and special friends in this lovely little Village.
Fotheringhay and its Castle is known locally by some, as the ‘seat’ of Monarchs, it has been so throughout history and as far back as 1090, when it was first founded by Simon de Senlis – Earl of Northampton. The control and influence passed from English and Scottish hands many times from the 12th Century, with Scottish Princes holding court from 1113 until well into the 13th Century, when King John gained possesion in 1212 and then by the English crown in 1219. It is of course most famously associated with the Dukes of York, being the birthplace of Richard III. It is also, sadly, the place of execution for Mary – Queen of the Scots – on February 8th 1587.
The Church is the final resting place of Richard Plantagenet – 3rd Duke of York, the father of Richard III and King Edward IV – his wife Cecily Neville, mother to Kings Richard and Edward, as well as for Edward of Norwich – 2nd Duke of York (d 1415 at the Battle of Agincourt) and the youngest brother and fourth child of Richard Plantagenet and Cecily Neville, Edmund – Earl of Rutland.
The grandeur of the church, in comparison to those just a few miles away in neighbouring villages, is testament to its special place in British history and the role it played in the lives of many a King and Queen.
