Local Churches

The Civil Parish of Hoby with Rotherby has four Church of England village churches and one Methodist Chapel. They are part of the Ecclesiastical Parish of the Upper Wreake (which also includes Frisby and Kirby Bellars).

The Parish Rector is:
Martin Dale,
The Rectory,
2 Carrfields Lane,
Frisby-on-the Wreake,
Melton Mowbray,
Leicestershire.Tel. 1664 434878
E-mail: mndale@aol.com

Reader:
Malcolm Britton,
34 Hall Orchard Lane,
Frisby-on-the-Wreake,
Melton Mowbray,
Leicestershire.
Tel. 01664 434490
E-mail mr.britton@virgin.net

The Methodist Minister:
Andrew Barker.

ROTA OF SERVICES

ALL SAINTS' CHURCH, HOBY

This little church was built in the troubled years that followed the death of King John in 1216. The bases of the piers in the nave suggest that it was built on the site of an older church. The nave is original and the clerestory was added in the 14th century. The "poppy head" benches now in the aisles, are 15th century. The tower dates from the 13th century and the spire was added later.

HOBY METHODIST CHAPEL

A Methodist Society was first established in Hoby in the year 1821, and services were first held in the old kitchen of the Homestead belonging to William Wood, a local farmer. Land for the erection of a chapel was provided under an indenture dated 31st December 1831, for a consideration of five pounds four shillings, though in fact, the chapel had already been built in 1832. The remaining land, including the cottage, was obtained in 1906 for one hundred and sixty pounds.

The Methodist Church in Hoby has a service on the second and fourth Sunday of each month. (First, third and fifth Sundays are at Frisby)

Services begin at 10.45am after which coffee is served. All are welcome.

Regular Events at Hoby Methodist Chapel:

Monday 10.00am to 12.00pm - Coffee morning & Internet Cafe.

Wednesday 9.30am to 11.30am - Craft Class (September - May).

Thursday 10.00am to 12.00pm - Internet Cafe
Handbells 6.30pm (children), 7.30pm(adults).

Friday 10.00am to 12.00pm - Mums & Tots.

To book the use of the Church and schoolroom contact Miss Ivy Woodford, telephone 01664 434543.

ALL SAINTS' CHURCH, ROTHERBY

All Saints' Church, Rotherby dates from the first quarter of the 13th Century but was built on the site of an earlier place of worship. The Tower was added in the fourteenth Century and much of the stained glass dates from the lare 1800s. The tower contains three bells dating from 1550 - 1611 and a clock dating 1898. The chancel was decorated with depictions of various saints in 1911 - 12 by the then Rector, Rev'd A A Beresford.

ALL SAINTS' CHURCH, RAGDALE

The church was built in the early 13th century of ironstone, but has had several additions and restorations. The west tower, south porch and clerestory probably date from around 1400 and the chancel was rebuilt in early Victorian times.
Items to note within the building are, the curious square font (this has four different legs and stands on a marble slab with Latin engravings, which possibly outdates the church building); the two gargoyles and the Anglo Saxon abbot's coffin lid set into the vestry wall and the stained glass window showing the arms of the Basset/Ferrers families. Outside the church there is a cross in the churchyard which is complete on a unique, single tall thin shaft.
The church was re-opened in December 1994 after a five year closure for re-roofing and refurbishment.

ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS, BROOKSBY

Although the first recorded mention of Brooksby Church was in the Matriculus of 1220, it is believed that the Church dates back to the 10th century when the village first evolved. Brooksby was one of a few Danish settlements at that time in the area and although it is known that the Vikings were very enthusiastic church builders, no information can be found before the 13th century. The church is built in the Perpendicular style. The outside is decorated with battlements embellished with shields, quatre foils pilasters. The base of the tower is early 14th century whereas the east of the tower is late 15th Century. The tower was extended and restored in 1620. The Gothic windows in the tower are different due to the restorations. The upper windows are 15th century and the lower windows are early 14th century.