Church of the Holy Sepulchre

One of only four round churches remaining in England, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is Northampton's most remarkable building. The circular nave dates to about 1100 and was built by a Crusader knight returning from Jerusalem, who modelled it on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre there. The round form is unique in the region and the Norman stonework inside is exceptionally well preserved.

The church was extended with a long choir and aisles in the 13th century, giving it an unusual elongated plan when viewed from outside. The interior is cool and quiet; the Norman arcade with its round arches and simple capitals is the main draw. The church is still in regular use for worship. It is a short walk north of the market square and easily combined with a visit to Northampton Castle remains and All Saints' Church.

things to do sight church
A story
The church was founded around 1100 by Simon de Senlis, the Norman Earl of Northampton, who had been on the First Crusade. Modelled on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem — the site of Christ's burial — it is one of only four round churches surviving in England. The round nave, built to evoke the holy sites he had visited, has stood almost unchanged for over 900 years.