Benington, Church Interior c.1960

Photo ref: B406022

More about this scene

It is recorded that the site of the present St Peter's Church was used as a place of worship as early as the 9th century at the time of King Bertulph of Mercia. After the Norman Conquest, the manor was held by Peter de Valoignes, and it was from him that the church took its dedication. The building has been restored on number of occasions, and when the tower was renovated in the early part of the last century, some of the stone heads were re-carved to represent the workmen. One particular head resembles Josef Stalin wearing his renowned cap - however, in fact it represents David Warner, the sexton. It is believed that he negotiated a deal with the mason. 'Give me a price of a mug of ale', the mason is said to have told him, 'and I'll put your mug on the tower!'