Thurning offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: the building history of St James the Great, a probable medieval moat, the pond known as “The Weir” and historical traces of a market and tithe barn. The Oundle Pilgrimage Cycle Route also leads to the village. You can shape your trip around your interests in architecture, archaeology, countryside or cycling.

St James the Great: building history and fittings

St James the Great dates from the 12th to the 14th century. Its architecture can be traced through several specific features: the north arcade of the nave dates to around 1200. Its round arches have chamfered edges and roll-moulded profiles; there is also a cylindrical pier with matching responds. The semicircular chancel arch dates from the 12th century and has semicircular responds and carved capitals with scallop ornament.

Later alterations are also part of the building’s history. The west wall and spirelet were rebuilt; Carpenter and Ingelow restored the church in 1880. St James the Great is also considered a small, well-preserved example of Anglican High Church fittings. The church was first mentioned in 1186, in connection with a tithe dispute between the priest of Thurning and the rector of Hemington.

When planning a visit, bear in mind that the church is usually locked. Contact the church in advance if you would like to see the interior. This makes the building’s history a useful focus for planning, without assuming that you can gain spontaneous access.

Moat and pond: two different landscapes

West of the church lies the Medieval Moat, Thurning, a probable medieval moat. The shallow ditch is no more than 0.5 metres deep and encloses a rectangular island at the same level. The site is at the north-eastern end of a rectangular enclosure. The outer ditch can be traced for 80 metres along its north-eastern side. These dimensions and the described form give this archaeological feature a concrete context without conflating it with the church.

At the eastern edge of the village is Thurning Pocket Park, with a very large pond known locally as “The Weir”. Thurning therefore brings together distinct subjects: the features and fittings of St James the Great, the form of the moat and the pond in the park. When choosing what to focus your stay on, these distinctions may be more useful than a long list of similar attractions.

Market history and The Old Tithe Barn

Thurning Market was granted a charter for a Wednesday market in 1263. It was probably replaced by a market in Barnwell in 1270. Also in 1263, St Michael’s Fair was granted a charter for the eve, feast day and day after St Michael’s feast. These dates provide the historical context for the market and fair in the village; they are not dates for present-day events.

The Old Tithe Barn is a late medieval or early modern tithe barn with an outbuilding. In the late 19th and 20th centuries, it was used for various village events. A fire gutted the building in 1933 and destroyed part of its fabric; it was rebuilt with alterations by 1937. In the late 20th century, the barn was converted into a tea room. The building’s history can thus be traced through several clearly distinct phases: its original use as a tithe barn, village events, rebuilding and later conversion.

Cycling: distinguish the stage from its sections

In Phase 2, the Oundle Pilgrimage Cycle Route passes along a road section to Thurning Village on the 12/14-mile stage from Barnwell to Wadenhoe. It is 3 miles from a pub car park opposite Berridges Farm to the village. From Thurning, the onward route to Clopton is signposted; Clopton is 2.5 miles away. The route then follows the Roman Road for 3 miles to Titchmarsh.

For planning purposes, distinguish the full stage from its individual sections: the 12/14 miles refer to the stage from Barnwell to Wadenhoe, while the 3 miles from Berridges Farm describe a different distance to the village. The following figures relate to continuing on to Clopton and Titchmarsh. This lets you interpret the route using the sections actually specified, rather than reading these distances as one continuous stretch.

Discover more destinations: Braunston, Deanshanger, West Haddon, Maidwell, Hardingstone, Overstone, Collyweston, Aynho.

For the wider travel overview: Northamptonshire.