All Saints, West Haddon - History
It is not certain when the first church building was established at West Haddon. There is no reference to a church or priest there in the Domesday Book which was compiled in 1086. However, that does not prove the absence of a place of worship at the time.
The present building is a Grade I listed building. The main structure was erected in the 12th to 14th centuries, with further work in the 17th and 19th centuries. It now consists of a nave, north and south aisles, chancel and west tower. A detailed description appears can be seen on the Historic England website at: <https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1229379>
On entering the building, visitors are greeted by the square font, which dates back to the 12th century. Carvings on the sides include scenes of the birth of Christ, his baptism, the entry into Jerusalem and of Christ in glory.
The churchyard is the resting place for thousands of people who lived and died at West Haddon during the past thousand years. Only a small proportion are commemorated by monuments. Amongst the earliest of these is the table tomb of Gregory Palmer, who died in 1693 after serving as Vicar here for 52 years – it is about two metres south of the chancel.
West Haddon’s parish registers survive from 1653. The historic registers and many other documents about the parish have been deposited at Northamptonshire Record Office.
All Saints has a building with a long history. It is also a living community of Christians who welcome visitors. Do come and meet us at one of our Sunday services.