WANSFORD

Wansford was an important village, mostly because of its fine bridge over the River Nene. Originally the Great North Road, now better known as the A1, went through the village and crossed the bridge, but it was diverted, leaving the village in peace.

Oliver Sutton, the bishop of Lincoln held a court at the Prebendal Manor, Nassington, Northants in 1295. On April 20 he granted twenty days Indulgence to anybody who contributed to the upkeep or repair of the bridge over the river Nene at Wansford. Considering that this was at no cost to himself, he was not being very generous as most similar grants were for forty days!

Bennet's pilgrim had to travel, To Sent Savyor Wanysford 14d & to offer id of the said 14d.

The church is well worth visiting for the font alone. Whether the font originally belonged to the church is uncertain. It dates to the early 1100s, and was being used as a cattle trough at Sibberton Lodge and moved to safety at Wansford. 

Around the bowl are arches containing carvings of figures two men who are fighting with long clubs and round shields, two men, who are possibly saints, hold books and above the arches, vines twist to fill the gaps.