St. Giles' Church, Cropwell Bishop

St Giles’ Church stands in the quiet village of Cropwell Bishop, Nottinghamshire, a Grade I listed building of outstanding architectural interest. Its oldest parts are 13th-century arcades, but most of the church dates from the 14th century. Inside are a nave, north and south aisles, a south porch, a chancel and a tower built around 1450. The tower now holds six bells, each with its own history. One bell dates from the 16th century, two were cast in 1669 and 1757, a fourth was recast in 1905 and a fifth added the same year. A sixth bell, the treble, was installed in 1981. The church once housed a clock made by Richard Roe between 1694 and 1906. That clock is now preserved in Nottingham Industrial Museum. St Giles’ belongs to the Wiverton group of parishes, which includes seven churches across the surrounding villages. The group includes St Andrew’s in Langar, All Saints’ in Granby, Holy Trinity in Tythby and others. The post of incumbent has been vacant since the last minister left. Visitors enter through the south porch into a spacious nave flanked by aisles. The tower rises at the west end, its bells ringing out over the village. The chancel at the east end contains fittings from several centuries. Outside, the churchyard holds weathered headstones and mature yews. The building’s simple lines and fine stonework show the skill of medieval masons.