1 Church Ln, NN1 3NL

Founded in 1100 - The Holy Sepulchre is the oldest building in Northampton, surviving the great fire, one of only 4 round medieval churches in the U.K., and has the longest aisle in Northampton. The Holy Sepulchre was the first of approximately 20 British medieval round churches to be built, of which only four now exist in their complete form, including Northampton, Cambridge, the Templat church in London, and Little Maplestead, Essex. See my research.

The actual "round church" part is not at the end, as I first thought! Instead it is between the tower and the rest of the church.

You have to contact the Church of Holy Sepulchre to arrange a visit. They were very efficient!

It was quite hard to take photos as there were central lights plus the windows, which tended to upset the camera! The windows came in various shapes. There seems to be a project to have some modern glass, but only one installed yet.

They take bell ringing seriously. The numbers are "Hark the Herald Angels sing" for hand bells.

The main part of the church got extended or adapted at various times. This seems to have caused problems with one pillar!

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© Jo Edkins 2026