The Historic Baptist Church at

This is a page about the historic Monksthorpe Baptist Church in Lincolnshire which is situated between Spilsby and Burgh-le-Marsh in a remote and secluded spot specially chosen for its secrecy during times of persecution.

From Candlesby on the Lincoln-Skegness Road, turn south and follow narrow road to T junction. Turn left and immediately straight on along 'No-through Road'. Pass two farms and when the track narrows, turn right into the tree-lined church drive!

The Early Baptists

After leaving England as one of the persecuted Separatists, Thomas Helwys returned to England from the continent in 1612 and founded the first Baptist Church on English soil at Spittalfields which was then just outside London. By the year 1651, the Baptist cause had reached Lincolnshire and small groups were meeting for worship. As it was not safe for them to do so, they met in secrecy. A group formed and met at the 'Preaching Tree' in the croft of Monksthorpe. They worshipped in the open air while watch was kept from the nearby trees to give warning of the approach of the King's soldiers. People walked to worship at Monksthorpe from distances of many miles. There was not a resident congregation at Monksthorpe which had been chosen for its seclusion. This was at a time when it was not safe to be other than a member of the established church. Therefore the congregation at Monksthorpe was always intended to be a non-residential one! But - In 1781 there are records to show that Monksthorpe had a membership of eighty-one. Since that time numbers have fluctuated, its very seclusion being a hindrance to numerical prosperity.

The Chapel

When the building was erected in 1701 at a time when acceptance of Dissent was in the air due to the Toleration Act, there was a suspicion that persecution might return. Therefore the chapel building was erected in the form of a farmyard barn with a thatched roof; and an escape hatch above the pulpit so that the preacher might make a hurried exit on a horse tethered outside should that be necessary! The thatched roof was replaced with tiles in 1847, when the vestries were also added

The Baptistry

An open air baptistry is in the grounds of Monksthorpe and was also used by the congregation at Burgh-le-Marsh until they had their own baptistry in 1873, which was used for the first time on 2nd March of that year. The congregation at Monksthorpe was formed when it was unsafe to worship within a town and so the congregation of Burgh-le-Marsh met at the Preaching Croft and so were part of the founding of Monksthorpe Baptist Church. The two churches have been linked since formation and this is further detailed in the 'History' Pages!

The baptistry was filled by flooding in water from the dyke behind it! That can't happen now as the water-table is lower than it was due to drainage work.

The baptistry was last used in 1962.

Worship

Regular worship ceased at the chapel in the late 1970's and the building fell into disrepair. The roots of a large tree to the rear of the building caused some disturbance to the foundations which has led to one wall having a substantial list. The offending tree has been removed and a 'hoop-safe' foundation has been inserted making the building safe again.

The 'Friends of Monksthorpe' worked to bring mains water to the chapel, install a toilet, new windows and other repair work to allow the chapel to be used for worship again. Five or six services are held each year, dates found by clicking on the Dates of future Services 'button' above.

When the National Trust took ownership they completely refurbished the chapel and it is now close to the standard when it was extensively repaired and balcony and vestries added in 1847.

Although it is in an isolated position we have good congregations attending. More than a hundred at the harvest service is quite usual!

This is a chapel of great historical significance. Monksthorpe has its roots in the early days of the Baptists, it developed from the South Marsh Church which met in secrecy during times of persecution, and was one of the churches known to Thomas Grantham, an important early Baptist who was born in the neighbouring village of Halton Holegate.

Part of the agreement with the National Trust is that we Baptists will continue to hold our services there each year and they will be organised by the 'Friends of Monksthorpe' who will act as the congregation and membership of the church.

Friends of Monksthorpe

This organisation was formed in order to help to save this very historic chapel, to raise some funds in order to help with the preservation and restoration and the on-going running of the chapel. As stated earlier, the 'Friends' act as the members of the church and as such are responsible for some running costs, organising services, buying hymn books etc.

We have a dedicated small team who help with grass mowing and chapel cleaning etc. We are also needing to provide some of the reserve funds which will be used by the Trust for future maintenance work. Therefore we are seeking new members of the Friends of Monksthorpe - for a minimum of Ł5 per year ( you are allowed to give more!) you receive newsletters from time to time and have the joy of knowing that you are helping to preserve some important Baptist History, a part of history that is still active!

                        Cheques may be sent to 'Friends of Monksthorpe'
                        c/o Revd. Bryan H Keyworth
                        392 Nottingham Road
                        Newthorpe
                        Nottingham
                        NG16 2ED
                        01773 713044

E-mail me - click here!

This site is maintained by the Rev. Bryan Keyworth, who lives in Newthorpe, Nottingham

and is the Secretary of Friends of Monksthorpe

Email Me -Click Here! If you have any comments, I would love to hear from you!

You may make a direct link to the National Trust

Click below!