The Parish Church of St. John the Evangelist forms part of the Benefice of Ryhall with Essendine and Carlby,
The Church was built in the early 13th century. The south doorway has over it a priest’s chamber, known nowadays as the Parvis room, which was once used as a schoolroom. On the north arcade is a large figure of St Christopher, the Patron Saint of Travellers. The Font and Sedalia ( Priests’ seats in the chancel) are over 700 years old. There are three stained glass windows in the church. The Gann window in the east end of the south arcade was made by Kempe in 1900. Kempe’s window can be recognised by the personal mark, the Wheatsheaf, which can be seen in this window near the bottom left-hand corner.
The Church was traditionally associated with the legend of St Tibba and she is said to have lived here in the 7th Century. It is said that she used to bathe in the spring on Tibba’s hill, this being on the hill from Tolethorpe to Belinsford Bridge.
The historical report above submitted by Mr Michael Whetstone, formerly of this parish.
Uploaded by Caroline Adams 08 July 2015
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A full description and history of the church may be found on the British History website: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/rutland/vol2/pp268-275
An excellent up-to-date description, with many photographs, may also be found on the “Great English Churches” website: http://greatenglishchurches.co.uk/html/ryhall.html
Our Sunday Services
1st Sunday of month
- 10.30 am – Holy Communion
2nd Sunday of month
- 10.15 am – Church Cafe
3rd Sunday of month
- 10.30am – Benefice Service Holy Communion (takes place in one of the three churches of the Benefice)
4th Sunday of month
- 10.30am – Morning Prayer
5th Sunday of month
- 10.30am – Benefice Service ( Holy Communion ) at Ryhall , Essendine or Carlby ( in rotation)
WEDNESDAY – Said Communion 10.30 in Spring and Summer only.
Services will also take place on Feast Days and special occasions, (eg Midnight Mass, Ash Wednesday Maundy Thursday, Ascension Day, etc).
All are very welcome at our Services
The Vicar of the Benefice:
Rev Jo Saunders
Preist in Charge of Ryhall, Essendine and Carlby
revjosaunders@live.co.uk
Benefice website: