The church of St John of Beverley, Whatton, is the featured church for October 2024. The village of Whatton is 9 km (5.5 miles) east of Bingham.
The church consists of nave, north aisle, north porch, Cranmer Chapel, chancel, south aisle, south porch, crossing tower.
Much restoration took place here during the 19th century. The church has been described as a ‘grievous sufferer from demolishers and restorers.’ The south transept was taken down and the south aisle rebuilt in 1808. The chancel was rebuilt in 1846 by the patron of the living, Thomas Dickinson Hall. The tower was also rebuilt in 1869-71 in Decorated style. The lower section was Norman but all that survives is an arch that was moved from the south side to the north. The north aisle is the least altered part of the church.
The early 14th century three-bay nave arcades have octagonal piers.
There is an early 14th century effigy of a priest in a cassock (possibly a canon of Welbeck Abbey) within a recess.
At the west end of south aisle is a late 14th century effigy of Sir Richard de Whatton clad in chainmail.
At the east end of the aisle is the splendid monument of a Newmarch (possibly Sir Hugh) of the early 14th century. He lies on a tomb with 20 shields, an alabaster knight in chain mail and SS collar, one leg missing and one half of the other foot left to rest on a lion.
Nearby an empty recess with 14th century ballflower ornament.
Two delightfully carved corbels one of King David with his harp and the other of a musician angel
Incised slab of Thomas Cranmer (died 1501) of Aslockton, father of Archbishop Thomas Cramner.
The font is dated 1662 and decorated with crudely carved flowers.
The east window of the south aisle contains glass by Morris & Co to a design of Burne-Jones, with figures of Christ, Peter, and John.
A chancel south window by C E Kempe depicts the Annunciation and was installed c.1900.
Further information on the church is available on the Southwell and Nottingham Church History Project website.