St Helen's Church Grove

Church Contact Information

St Helen's Church is the parish church of the small village of Grove, just south of Retford in Nottinghamshire. It belongs to the Church of England and is a Grade II listed building, recognised for its special architectural and historic interest.

Although the present church dates from 1882, the site has a much longer history. A church and priest at Grove are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, suggesting that Christian worship has taken place here for almost a thousand years.

Throughout the medieval period, the church was closely associated with the local Hercy family, who were lords of the manor and important benefactors.

The current building was designed by the Nottingham architect C. Hodgson Fowler in the Decorated Gothic Revival style. Constructed from local stone with tiled roofs, it replaced the earlier medieval church, which had become inadequate. The design includes:

• A graceful west tower topped by an octagonal spire.
• A nave and chancel with a south porch.
• A vestry and organ chamber.
• Decorative gargoyles, pinnacles and finely detailed stonework typical of Victorian Gothic architecture.

Inside, the church preserves connections with its medieval predecessor. Several ancient memorial slabs were transferred from the old church, including an impressive alabaster tomb commemorating Hugh Hercy and his wife Elizabeth, dating from the early 15th century.

Other monuments commemorate later local families, including the Levinz family, who were prominent landowners and Members of Parliament.

The church also houses a two-manual Bevington pipe organ, originally built in 1859 and installed at Grove in 1894, adding to its Victorian character.

Set among mature trees and surrounded by its historic churchyard, St Helen's occupies an attractive elevated position overlooking the village. Its peaceful rural setting, handsome Victorian architecture and links to nearly a millennium of local history make it one of the most characterful churches in the Retford area.

News From This Church Back To List

Back To List