Morcott Church: St Mary the Virgin

Morcott Church: St Mary the Virgin

morcott1Morcott Church is dedicated to St Mary the Virgin. It is both the geographical and spiritual heart of Morcott in Rutland, and is open every day to welcome villagers, visitors and tourists.
SERVICES are held at 11am on the FIRST and THIRD Sunday of every month, following the Common Worship format and including Holy Communion.
Of course Morcott also has additional services on ‘high days and holidays’ including Easter, Harvest, Remembrance and Christmas.
Whatever your faith background or tradition, you’re very welcome.
If you have any questions about Morcott church, the Churchwardens are your first port of call: Eric Hazelwood 01572 747 175; Jane Williams 01572 747 157.
Architecturally-speaking, Morcott church is superb, and it is the only church in the Welland Fosse group which is Grade I listed.  It dates to the early Norman period, and key features are the carved capitals of the pillars supporting the North Arcade and the Tower.
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The Tower also features an unusual round ‘pancake window’ at belfry level. The pulpit is Jacobean, and other Jacobean carving has been incorporated into more modern (by which we mean Victorian) desks towards the back of the Nave. In the South Aisle is the tomb of William de Overtoun (died 1500). The Overtouns were lords of the manor for centuries.
A team of volunteers opens and closes Morcott Church every day. It is a tranquil space for prayer and contemplation. Morcott is on the Rutland Round and welcomes walkers to picnic in the churchyard (there are two benches), while there is usually a bowl of water in the porch for your pooch. All we ask is that you clear up after yourself (or your dog): the bins are by the Tower door.
Family history researchers are also welcome, but please make an appointment with a Churchwarden if you want to see the records. The registers held are: Births 1960-current day; Marriages 1887-current day; Deaths 1905-1982 after which the churchyard was closed for burials.  These registers may be viewed by prior arrangement with a churchwarden: there is a statutory fee of £21.
All earlier records are lodged at Leicestershire County Records Office
For more information about Morcott, the village website is HERE