The Plan the Church
The Church Tower
The Angel Roof
Historic Castor
Castor is known internationally among archaeologists as the centre of an important Roman settlement along the Nene valley west of Peterborough. The Roman palace (c. 250 AD) or praetorium was the second largest Roman building in Britain. The church is built on the site of the Roman courtyard. The palace included a temple in the area of the garden of remembrance. Some of the foundations of the Roman palace can be seen beside the road (Stocks Hill) East of the church.
Figure 1. Map of the archaeological sites in the Nene Valley
The nearby Roman market town of DUROBRIVAE was on the South bank of the River Nene opposite Castor. The whole area between Castor and Chesterton was the site of a sprawling Roman industrial site where distinctive pottery known as 'Castor Ware' was made.
 Figure 2. Castor: a reconstruction of the great roman building showing the probable outline (grey toned area). |
O Lord, Support us all the days
of this troubled life, Until the shades lengthen, and the evening comes; And the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then Lord, in thy mercy, grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at the last; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. |
The Roman palace was first excavated by Edmund Artis, agent to Lord Fitzwilliam (of nearby Milton). Many tessellated pavements were found, as well as Roman baths found in the area of the present Castor school sports-ground South of the church.
The Palace ceased to be inhabited about 450 AD. In 650 AD St Kyneburgha, a daughter of King Penda of Mercia, founded a Saxon Convent among the ruins. Parts of the convent were excavated in 1957. It seems possible that it was sacked by the Vikings between 850-1000AD.
Castor and Ailesworth are mentioned in the Doomsday Book, as is Milton Park, which since 1502, has been owned by the Fitzwilliam family.
Figure 3. Castor: a reconstruction of the great roman building.
The religious parish of Castor and Ailesworth is in the same benefice as Sutton, Upton and Marholm, all of which are Norman churches. Sutton and Upton churches were originally chapels-of-ease for Castor. Marholm church contains some fine tombs of the Fitzwilliam family. There are many lovely walks in the area, along the Nene valley, and beside the Nene valley railway (preserved steam railway). There are three pubs in Castor, the Prince of Wales Feathers, the Royal Oak and the Fitzwilliam Arms.
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SERVICES
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Wayfarer, hold in mind thou art also a pilgrim in this life. Pray for us here, living and departed, and pray for thyself |
The Development of the Church
Parts of the Saxon church were incorporated into the Norman church and can be seen in the West elevation and the North transept.
The Spire was added to the tower in 1350.
The present Nave roof was added in 1450, at the same time as the Nave Clerestory were inserted.
The old roof slope can still be seen on the base of the tower.