The History of St. Johns
The parish church, dedicated to St John the Baptist, replaced a former Preceptory (or Commandery) in the early 14th century. It is a grade 2 listed building, however only the south aisle is in its original condition. Next door to the church is a Georgian manor house, dating from 1720. Nothing of the preceptory stands above ground; however the stone foundations of this house, which can be seen in the cellar (up to a height of 3 feet), are believed to be part of the former Preceptory. Medieval paving stones have also been found in the area. In the above pen and ink sketch by Malcoim, in 1796 the building had a spire with a weather vane, a porch and a door leading to the chancel.
The church of St John the Baptist Heather is of the English Decorated style which dates between 1275 and 1380. The earliest parts of the church are the nave and south aisle which date from this period. The clerestory windows were added in the 15th century as well as the tower. The church consists of a west tower, nave, north & south aisles and chancel. In 1846-47 the church underwent restoration by a H. I. Stevens of Derby, the chancel was rebuilt, the north aisle added (in Decorated style) and the short recessed spire removed.
In the chancel is a fine Marble & Alabaster monument to a Stephen Everard (died 1615) who is represented with his wife and seven children in the attitude of prayer. This links the church with Rothley temple, a former property of the Knights Templar and the Babington family.
A remarkably beautiful stained glass window, by Burlison and Grylls, was installed in the chancel in 1885. It was paid for by the incumbent rector at that time. The window is a memorial to the Belcher family.
St John the Baptist Heather along with St Denys, our sister church, is in the benefice of Ibstock & Heather. Both churches share a wealth of history between them, and have been at the centre of village life.
The Ibstock Historical Society aims to share the many stories & memories of Ibstock & Heather life through the years.
Click the link below to go to their website and facebook page.
ibstocklives.wixsite.com/home
To download a copy of our History of St. John the Baptist Church book, click here
St John The Baptist Church is part of the Sence Valley Mission Partnership with Coalville and Hugglescote parishes, coming together to support each other as we seek to serve our communities. We hold occasional combined events which are open to anyone from this part of North West Leicestershire. During the year we also have study sessions on various topics, an annual Quiet Day, and join with Churches Together in Ibstock and Heather for Lent groups, the children's holiday club and the week of prayer for Christian Unity.