Anniversary of St Gilbert of Sempringham’s death marked by South Kesteven District Council

One of South Kesteven’s lesser-known heritage sites is under the spotlight with the anniversary of the death of St Gilbert of Sempringham.

He founded Sempringham Priory near Bourne, which became a place of pilgrimage with miracles of healing attributed to Gilbert.

Gilbert died on February 4, 1189 thought to be over 100-years-old, making this Sunday his feast day, and was made a saint in 1201 by Pope Innocent III.

He was born, lived at and is buried at the site of the priory, where St Andrew’s Church still stands.

South Kesteven District Council Leader, Coun Ashley Baxter (Ind), portfolio holder for visitor economy, said: “St Andrew’s Church, accessed by a long track from the hamlet of Sempringham feels now like a remote outpost of times past, hinting at a rich history which remains just below the windswept farmland of the fens.

“It’s astonishing to think that this was the centre of a forward-thinking religious order accepting both women and men, which resulted in several establishments dedicated to spreading Christianity.

“This is a famous story which many people are unaware of, and South Kesteven District Council’s heritage officers are preparing a short series of blogs on this fascinating topic, which can be read soon at www.discoversouthkesteven.com/blog.”

St Andrew’s Church is an isolated building surrounded by a wide expanse of farmland.

Lost buildings include St Mary’s Church - which was built later 300 metres south of St Andrew’s - the chapter house, infirmary, and kitchens, the canons’ cloisters, a guest house, and fishponds.

Heritage officer Claire Saunders said: “It is not difficult to see how the priory would slowly come to subsume the village, with the majority of the villagers taking holy orders, becoming lay sisters or brothers, or working to support the running of the priory in other ways, like as tenant farmers of the monastic granges.”

Gilbert was born with a disability and rather than training as a knight was sent to Normandy to study for a religious life.

He returned to Sempringham in his late teens, devoutly religious and an advocate for education.

He established a school where he taught literacy and religion to the children from his father’s estates.

In 1123, he was ordained as a priest but shunned promotion to return to Sempringham.

After inheriting his father’s estates, he dedicated his income to establishing a religious community.