LOCATION
We are part of the West Northamptonshire Uplands, a landscape characterised by rounded, undulating hills with low ridgelines and wide views from the ridgetops. The area is of outstanding interest for its ancient ridge and furrow fields, examples of which can be found close to the village. Natural England provide an excellent summary of the characteristics of the Northamptonshire Uplnds on their website.
The area around Winwick has been designated a Special Landscape Area by Northamptonshire County Council in their County Structure Plan 1996 to 2016. This in turn is recognised by Daventry District Council in their planning development policy EN1.
A Speciasl Landscape Area is designated because of it's:
- Scenic quality
- Sense of place
- Unspoilt rural landscape free from urban intrusion, with a sense of remoteness and tranquility
- Landscape particularly representative of type, having fragile condition or scarcity value, or with ancient characteristics
Take a look around. We think you'll agree we match the description!
OUR CHURCH
Our 13th century church, St Michael and All Angels is the centre of our community and beautifully situated on a grassy mound overlooking peaceful countryside.
The chancel was taken down in 1853 and a larger one built. This was the work of the rector, Rev A. Bromhead and his wife. They also built a Rectory (now Winwick Hall) and the Old School adjacent to the church gate. In the south trancept is an old barrel organ given to the church by Mrs Bromhead. It is still in usable condition.
Our church registers go all the way back to 1567. For many years in the 16th century there were more marriages in Winwick church than there were bachelors and spinsters in the parish.
It seems we were something of a Gretna Green for runaway couples in Northamptonshire.
There is a service at the Church on the first and third Sunday of the month, starting at 6.00 pm.
OUR CHURCHYARD
Our churchyard overlooks miles of unspoiled countryside and is particularly lovely in Spring, when the 2,000 daffodils planted for the new millennium are at their best
The bench outside the church is a perfect spot to see foxes, woodpeckers, badgers and deer. Keep an eye open too for our resident kingfishers, and don’t miss the ducks in the stream.
The rural scene is enhanced by sheep in the churchyard, one of whom – Jack – was hand reared and is especially friendly. He’s a great favourite with visitors and a much-loved member of Winwick’s flock.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
And whilst we’re on the subject of books, visitors won’t want to leave without a copy of our best-selling cookbook, “A Taste of Winwick”.
Specially written to raise money for church funds, the recipes are all tried and tested family favourites from Winwick cooks and our families and friends all over the world.
Also included are reminiscences of life in Winwick in days gone by – a fascinating glimpse into life in a rural community.
WINWICK VILLAGE FETE
With just 70 people living in Winwick, it’s hard to believe that our village fete – held every other year on the first Sunday in September - attracts thousands of visitors and always raises around £8,000 for the church.
2011 is fete year, so imagine an old-fashioned country fayre, brimming with craft stalls, sideshows and country produce. Then add delicious homemade teas served in the churchyard and you’ll understand our winning formula for a perfect afternoon in the English countryside.
OUR WINDOW ON THE WORLD
No visit to Winwick would be complete without a glimpse of our new stained glass window in the West wall of the church. Commissioned by the village to mark the new millennium, the window is a gift of love to future generations. The striking design has already been described as being of national importance.
Jane Campbell, AGMP, Designer and Craftsman in Glass, offers visitors this insight into the window.
“An aerial view outlines the village with roads, fields, a stream and the church, which is highlighted. The view leads on to the rural scene of field and trees seen outside the church and throughout the village.
Colours here evoke the tranquillity of Winwick and the glory of God, depicted in seasonal shades of autumn through to spring.God’s love comes down from above in golden colours encompassing the village. This shows that God’s love is for everyone. We can all feel included and relate personally to God’s love in our own lives and our own surroundings”.