The church of St Peter, Laneham, is the featured church for October 2022. The village of Laneham is on the west bank of the River Trent and located about 12 km south-east of Retford.
The church consists of a west tower, nave, north aisle, south porch and chancel.
It is essentially Norman with herringbone masonry visible on the nave south wall and chancel north wall. The tower is also Norman (with later upper stages) and has a very low arch which lacks decoration. The south doorway dates from the 12th century as does the chancel arch ‘with emphatic modelling, roll moulding and one order with scalloped capitals.’
The north aisle was added in the 13th / 14th century. The piers of the 3-bay north arcade has with complex moulded pointed arches supported on columns with 8 shafts, alternating shafts are decorated with fillets.
The south porch contains 14th century timbers but was rebuilt in 1932. The original door is now mounted on the nave wall and has been dated by dendrochronology to 1157-78.
The round stone font is decorated with tall arcades and set into the base of an arcade pier. It dates from the 12th century,
The panelled oak pulpit is 17th century and is inscribed ‘Soli Deo Honor Et Gloria’ (To God alone be honour and glory).
A timber chest in the nave is decorated with stars or rosettes and 3 vertical strap hinges. It has been dated to the third quarter of the 13th century.
In the chancel is a large and elaborate restored alabaster monument of excellent quality to Ellis Markham and his son Jervase, dated 1636. It comprises two kneeling figures of father and son facing east and dressed in early 16th century garments.
Further information on this church is available from the Southwell & Nottingham Church History Project website.