St Andrews Church and The Bede House – Lyddington, Rutland

The beautiful village of Lyddington has been a favourite place of mine to visit since moving to the East Midlands. Distinguished by its striking orange Ironstone buildings, it shares this architectural character with its neighbouring Rutland villages, including Uppingham and Oakham. The two buildings photographed here are exceptional examples of this unique local stone.

St Andrew’s Church holds particular historical significance, standing beside the neighbouring Bede House—once part of the medieval palace of the Bishops of Lincoln. While documentary references suggest a church existed in Lyddington as early as 1163, the present structure largely dates from the 14th century. The chancel and west tower were built by Bishop Burghersh, while the nave and its five-bay arcades were added in 1480, although it is unclear whether Bishop Russell or Bishop Smith was responsible. Records also show that the roof was repaired in 1890; the outline of the original roofline remains visible as you enter the building. A gallery once existed within the church but was removed in 1879.

One of the church’s most unusual features is the set of altar rails installed in 1635. Unlike those in most other churches, which run across the chancel in front of the altar, these rails surround it entirely—an arrangement that is both rare and historically intriguing. St Andrew’s is usually open to visitors at weekends for those wishing to explore it further.

Adjacent to the church stands the Bede House, formerly the medieval wing of the Bishop’s Palace for the Diocese of Lincoln. The building has served several purposes over the centuries, including as almshouses for the poor and infirm. In 1600, it was granted to Thomas Cecil—son of William Cecil, the influential Chief Minister to Queen Elizabeth I—who converted it into accommodation for twelve residents, including two women, who were required to be “free from lunacy, leprosy, and French pox.”

Both buildings are remarkable examples of Rutland’s architectural heritage and are well worth a visit. The Bede House is managed by English Heritage; please check their website for up-to-date opening times.