Our Churches

Non plaudite. Modo pecuniam jacite.

St Peter’s, Maxey

The earliest recorded work on the church dates back to approximately 1113 A.D. However, fragments of tombstones unearthed in the churchyard—now preserved within the church’s Sweeting Museum—indicate that a Saxon church once stood on the site of the current Norman structure, albeit without a tower. In 1013, both the original Saxon church and the village were burned by the Danes. Despite the destruction, the church was repaired enough to allow worship to continue until a full-scale rebuilding began about a century later.

St Benedict’s, Glinton

The church is a stunning and striking landmark, with its 140-foot needle spire rising dramatically above the flat surrounding landscape, visible for miles. The “Peasant Poet,” John Clare, celebrated this iconic spire in his poem Glinton Spire. A more pragmatic description comes from the British Listed Buildings entry, which refers to the spire as a “disproportionately tall octagonal recessed spire”—a less romantic but equally notable observation.

St Stephen’s, Etton

The current structure of the church dates back to the 13th century, though records in the Peterborough Chronicle indicate that a church existed on this site as early as the 12th century. The presence of the Sheela Na Gig, strongly suggests the existence of an earlier building here.

The church as it stands today features a west tower with a spire, a nave flanked by north and south aisles with clerestories, a south porch, and a chancel.

St Andrew’s, Northborough

The church we see today comprises a nave with north and south aisles and clerestories, a south porch, a very large south chapel, and a chancel. The western end is reinforced by four buttresses: the outer two extend partway up, stopping just below the roofline of the aisles, while the inner two continue upward to support the belfry stage.

St Pega’s, Peakirk

The church is dedicated to St. Pega, the sister of St. Guthlac, who established a hermitage in the Peterborough Fens. Inspired by her brother, Pega also founded her own hermitage. Both siblings came from a prominent noble family, and it is believed that Pega received a royal grant to establish her retreat. Tradition holds that the present church at Peakirk stands on the site of her hermitage.

According to historical accounts, Pega traveled up the River Welland to attend her brother’s funeral, performing a miracle by healing a blind man from Wisbech along the way.

The current church dates to the 11th century, with its dedication to St. Pega being unique. A north aisle was added in 1170, followed by the addition of a south aisle approximately 50 years later.

Other Ministries

The benefice offers a diverse range of ministries, including Messy Church, Benefice in the Boozer, Tea on a Tuesday, Thought for Thursday, school outreach programs, and many other initiatives.