St. John's Church Winster

Church History

Nothing remains of the earliest church on this site. In the reign of Henry II St. John's was one of five chapels given to the Abbey of Leicester, that building having been erected in 1140.

In 1711 the church was re-built, of which, only the tower remains. Details of this church can be seen in the painting hanging at the back of the church

The church was enlarged and re-built around 1842, but it appears that it was poorly built as by 1883 the building was said to be unsafe and further alterations took place.

The interior of the church is unusual in design being double aisled with columns down the middle.

The font design and carvings indicates a possible Norman or earlier origin.  However, the carving of the upper half of the font seems too crisp to be of this age and it is believed the top half was recarved at some point.

In the south wall of the chancel (to the right of the Altar) is a stained glass window designed by Burne-Jones and made by William Morris and Co

The modern window on the south of the aisle represents the holy spirit.  At the top is a representation of a dove, in the form of feathers and if you look closely an eye.  God’s spirit appeared as a dove at Christ’s baptism.

The sanctuary floor tiles are by Minton and were presumably laid in the later rebuilding of the Church.