On Thursday the 25^th of July, Brixworth and District u3a Local History Group visited the parish church of St Mary the Virgin, situated on the Fawsley Park Estate close to Fawsley Hall. The church predates the hall, ancestral home of the Knightley family by 200 years (it has never been an estate church). The church has grade1 listed status and contains effigies of the Knightley family installed after several of them were buried there.

Crossing a field we found the church which dates from the 13^th century, separated from the landscape by a haha. This was crossed by the tiniest of bridges to the tiniest of doors. Once inside we were welcomed by the church warden Mr Kellet who introduced us to many beautiful historical features and artefacts. These included the famous stained glass of the Washington Family brought from the nearby manor of Sulgrave in 1830 and pews with beautifully carved panels depicting folk tales, nursery rhymes and legends. A very informative and enjoyable visit.