South Somercotes Church and Village A Guide & History
South Somercotes in Lincolnshire is only a couple of miles from the sea and set in a landscape of green flatlands and fen style dykes - it’s church having an impressive spire is visible not only for miles inland but also from the sea.
It was here that something of great interest caught my eye . . . Another historical mystery to be solved
Basics first - then my curiosity at the bottom - please do get to the bottom - not only of the article but also the mystery
The impressive 15th century spire of St Peter’s church has three medieval bells and is so visible from afar it is known locally as The Queen of the Marsh. Indeed visibility is such it was even used as a navigational aid by sailors !
The church is no longer in use and is in the care of the Redundant Churches Trust who appear to be doing a great job of looking after it if my 2 visits are anything to go by.
The building is of Norman origin with some features of that time still extant, the tower origins are 13th century though the spire was added later in the 15th century.
For some reason Genuki, and a few other places, say the church is dedicated to St Mary, presumably an error ? ?
The village and surrounding area lie on land that is marshy in nature and was initially used, around the 10th century, for grazing animals and salt production, it also is mentioned in The Domesday Book.
The name Somercotes coming from Sumor Cot which refers to a hut used during the summer for shepherds and animal tenders.
I’ve found little in the way of archaeological information, though on the other end of the time scale there is talk of UFO sightings ! , so we are appealing for further information about this village and its history. Be it factual or anecdotal, real or mysterious - all input is welcome - please do leave a comment if you have anything at all to add.
Here’s a picture I took of the church and after that something worthy of research and comment I think
St Peter’s Church South Somercotes
Something a little different - at least I haven’t seen it before
I’m far from being a religious expert though since I’ve started with my research a day trips to areas of historical interest
I have seen, and been in, a lot of churches - I’ve never seen this though.
A Star of David in an Anglican Church !
Originally it was the Knight Templar splayed cross which caught my eye on this old wooden cabinet housed in south side of the Chancel (exact part of the church from memory).
Although the cross design is clearly Templar it could fairly be said to be simply a generic design with no Knight Templar connections or meaning at all.
The Judaic star of David however is a different matter - there is no mistaking that - it is what it appears to be Jewish in nature.
My question is why is it there - is this something often seen in Anglican churches ?
Whilst I’ve never seen it before and some people I’ve mentioned it to over the last few months, including church wardens and the like, all looked confused by it I have to concede it may be nothing at all . . . hopefully not and hopefully something of interest if not significance.
The Cabinet in Question
Perhaps it’s simply a case of recycling a cabinet from elsewhere, I don’t know - what I do know is that symbolism and symbols are of great religious import and seldom appear, or are used, for no reason.
Is there something of a mystery here ?
Is it rare or at least unusual ?
I think it is certainly a find of interest.
I would be extremely grateful for any information or opinions from anybody about this - if you do have any ideas please do share them by leaving a comment - many thanks
Symbolistically Yours
Rod
Related Page: Churches in Lincs
Annie Flinn said,
October 12, 2009 @ 6:17 pm
Hi Rod,
If anything that Dan Brown writes is to be believed, the Star of David would not be out of place in a Templar church, with the inverted pyramid representing the grail or womb of Mary Magdalene, and the pyramid a part of Christ.
BTW, I recently saw a documentary of the discovery of artifacts left by Templar here in the States prior to Columbus’ voyages. Seems they and some Vikings sailed here and left markers to claim some land. Pretty amazing, methinks.
Annie
Rod said,
October 12, 2009 @ 7:36 pm
Hi Annie,
there could indeed by Templar connections but that would be supposition and just me hopefully flying a kite as it were.
The cross could be generic in design but the star is undisputable I think
Best
Rod
the dinosaur said,
October 12, 2009 @ 8:42 pm
Rod, I have discovered two possibly significant facts about the Star of David: it was both a Christian and Judaic symbol originally and became specific to Judaism only in the 14th century, I believe the church in question is earlier than that. The other thought provoking one is that the Star of David is also known as Solomon’s Seal and the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem was of course the origin of the name Knights Templar!
Rod said,
October 13, 2009 @ 8:56 am
Dino,
you make a great point about the Templar connection and it’s one I tried not to get too excited about - the thing is though you’re absolutely right !
The point about about the star becoming specific to Judaism only in the 14th century is a real find and something I didn’t know. This could very well explain it and offer dating evidence for the item.
I think it worthy of research - it could be an item of real interest, possibly even importance
Many thanks for the great info Dino
Rod
Lucy said,
October 14, 2009 @ 9:38 pm
That church looks absolutely stunning. I’m not religious, but find churches so wonderful and peaceful, and so beautiful.
Rod said,
October 15, 2009 @ 8:22 am
Lucy,
I feel much the same - even those I visit which are no longer in use seem to have a peaceful serenity about them.
They also tend to be the oldest ad most impressive building in the village as well - simply soaked in history.
I stand in some and think people have been christened, married and buried in this very builing for over 700 years now - it’s quite a feeling .
All the best
Rod
Amy said,
October 28, 2009 @ 8:14 pm
I wonder if you saw the amazing paper sculptures that were in the church late september, early october time.
Really beautiful, especially the hug paper angel hung from the ceiling in the church in north somercotes.
Rod said,
October 28, 2009 @ 8:28 pm
Hi Amy,
Welcome to the site and I hope you’ll return.
Sadly I didn’t see any of the sculptures I’m afraid Amy, I was there some time before that.
It is nice to hear it is getting used though - it would be nice to think lots could go on there.
Thanks for taking the time to share a comment Amy
All the best
Rod
Jenny Thorpe said,
December 2, 2009 @ 3:43 pm
Hi Rod
We visited Lincolnshire for the first time a couple of weeks ago for a short break. The main reason for the visit was to see the seals at Donna Nook - which were wonderful.
I have recently started researching my family tree and discovered that my father’s family originally came from Lincolnshire - in particular from South Somercotes. The earliest record I have found is of William Stubbs, my 7 Gts Grandfather, who was married in S Somercotes in 1683, and died there in 1695. Consequently we took the opportunity of visiting the villages/churches. I tramped around the churchyards, more in hope than expectation, looking for family gravestones without much luck, but found it very interesting, and quite evocative to visit churches where my forebears had been baptised, married and buried.
I found S Peters very interesting, and I also noticed the cupboard pictured above. I noticed a gravestone with the Star of David carved on it in one of the churchyards I visited - I think it was Grainthorpe - but have no idea of the reason for it. You mention that S Peters is referred to as S Marys in some places. I think the answer can be found in the Churches Conservation Trust leaflet available at the church. In the History section it explains that in 1585 there was a union with the church at N Somercotes, which is called S Marys, and a clerical error was made in 1681 when the Rev Charles Wolley was presented with both livings on consecutive days, and from that time until 1940 the church at N Somercotes was known as S Peters. Confusing!
You say that you hope to visit all churches in Lincs, and were amazed at how long that list was. We come from Northamptonshire - known as the County of “Squires & Spires” - but we commented on the number, and size of the churches in the area. There also appear to be/have been, at least one chapel in each village too. In addition to S Somercotes, we visited Grainthorpe - not open, unfortunately, Marshchapel - very beautiful, and felt ‘loved’, and St Botolphs - now just a shell, and very atmospheric. N Somercotes was clsoed, and as it was blowing a gale we gave it a miss. I wish you luck in achieving your ambition!
I understand that the population of the area was decimated by the Plague. I have not been able to find out much about this, but would be interested to find out.
If you, or any of your readers, know anything about the history of the Stubbs family in the N & S Somercotes area I would be very interested. I understand that the Stubbs family still farm in the area.
Regards
Jenny
Rod said,
December 2, 2009 @ 6:13 pm
Hi Jenny,
thanks for the great comment and welcome to the site.
Pleased you enjoyed your visit to Lincolnshire and congratulations in coming from such fine stock
I’m sure if anybody does know anything they’ll leave a comment (please feel free to do so if you know anything at all)
I’ll certainly be adding information to this page as and when possible Jenny
I’m off to take a look at your pictures now
Best wishes
Rod
Steve... said,
December 3, 2009 @ 12:44 am
The six-pointed star is the Creator’s star. Its six points stand for the six days of creation. The points are also said to represent the six attributes of God - power, wisdom, majesty, love, mercy and justice. [edit - Rod]
The Initiate Star a.k.a.The Six Pointed Star a.k.a The Star of David is a powerful, sacred and holy symbol………………………………….
The mandala of the hexagram, also known as the “Star of David” is much older than Judaism, older even than history! As an archetypal symbol for the sacred union of the opposite energies, it is the “yin-yang” of western civilization. [edit - Rod]
tonicsmum said,
January 31, 2011 @ 12:41 am
Hi, I have been very interested by the comments on this site as my Mum was born between North and South Somercotes and I remember as a child visiting my Grandparents when they lived in Heneage House, they later moved to the bungalow across the road which is next to what was the pub. My great grandarents are buried in the churchyard. My grandfathers name was Dick Waters and ny grandmother was Ida-nee Willson(with 2 LL’s!) My mother was Sylvia and she went to school in South Somercotes-she was born in 1928 and had an older brother Harold, and sister Joyce.With regard to Stubbs-I can remember my grandparents talking about “Stubbses Corners” which is now by pased and was is a little way out of the village but I’m presuming that is where the farm was(is)
Cant add anything to the history of the church-except that my grandarents were married there!
Dave Strickland said,
August 13, 2011 @ 3:53 pm
Hi,
Just to let you know this church will be appearing in the near future (as of August 2011) in the regular Then & Now feature in the Grimsby Telegraph Friday edition, or in the monthy Bygones failing that.
I am the person who has been doing this column since 2006, and have finally got round to using this subject. I am using an old postcard view of the church.
I was interested to find there is a group at this church (?) exploring the topic of psychic issues in a Christian context. Now THAT interests me, since most Christians have only a narrow outlook on the Bible and their understanding of life. I am a Christian, but also an esotericist. What I knew before is in many ways only peanuts compared to what I know now. From an esoteric standpoint, the 6-pointed Hexagram, the so-called Star of David, is a very ancient symbol of God and His people, as is the 5-pointed Pentagram. These are rightly to be considered holy and sacred. The “Christian” cross does not compare with them, although it itself has become sacred over the centuries merely by Christian usage and the power of association.
Rod said,
August 13, 2011 @ 6:40 pm
Dave,
thanks for the comment and a warm welcome to the site.
I’m still very interested in this symbol being here, I’ve asked a few people now and nobody can recall one in another church of this period and faith
Cheers
Rod
Julia Johnson said,
September 9, 2011 @ 7:56 pm
A colleague found and forwarded your weblink following a conversation at work today. Last Saturday I went on the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust tour. When we went in to St Peter and St Paul, Dymchurch, I was surprised to see the Star of David in the ornamentation of a bracket for a hanging candle (I’m sure that is not the correct term) near the altar rail. Like you, I’d not come across that symbol before in an Anglican church. Our guide was unable to shed any light on whether there was a particular signifcance for it being there. Someone else commented ‘why not’, so it stuck in my memory. I’ve been interested to read the other comments, and glad to know I’m not alone in wondering!
Rod said,
September 10, 2011 @ 7:27 am
Julia,
thanks for sharing this, very much appreciated, I’m pleased to hear of another example.
I’ve still yet to get to the bottom of this and hope for some more information
Kind regards
Rod
d.j.d.bolton said,
September 19, 2011 @ 6:33 pm
I believe the cupboard in question is a bread cupboard where the bread was kept for distribution to the poor of the Parish,sometimes known as the Dole cupboard. On another note I was always told that the cotes referred to the pens in which were kept at night? hence sheepcotes. Lovely church,I could see the spire from our sitting room window in N.Somercotes,We tried to look round inside but couldn’t as the interior was being cleaned up,or out and wasn’t safe to enter.Great shame as we never got back.I live in Canada,but born a Yellowbelly.