Braunston-in-Rutland

Braunston-in-Rutland

All Saints' Church
Braunston-in-Rutland
 Braunston-in-Rutland shown within Rutland
Area  2.5 sq mi (6.5 km2) [1]
Population 392 2001 Census[2]
    density  157/sq mi (61/km2)
OS grid referenceSK834069
    London  84 miles (135 km) SSE 
Unitary authorityRutland
Shire countyRutland
Ceremonial countyRutland
RegionEast Midlands
CountryEngland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post town OAKHAM
Postcode district LE15
Dialling code 01572
Police Leicestershire
Fire Leicestershire
Ambulance East Midlands
EU Parliament East Midlands
UK ParliamentRutland and Melton
List of places
UK
England
Rutland

Coordinates: 52°39′N 0°46′W / 52.65°N 0.77°W / 52.65; -0.77

Braunston-in-Rutland is a village and civil parish in the county of Rutland in the East Midlands of England. Leicestershire lies on the parish's western boundary

Braunston is located roughly three miles (4.8 km) south-west of the county town of Oakham. The River Gwash flows through the village.

The village retains two public houses, The Old Plough, and the 17th-century Blue Ball Inn. The parish church, which has a circular churchyard, is dedicated to All Saints.

The Braunston "Goddess"

The enigmatic "goddess"

A sculpted stone stands in the churchyard, at the west end of the church, close to the tower. Known as the Braunston "Goddess", it was found in about 1920 when the church doorstep needed to be replaced. When the slab was lifted the carving was revealed on the underside. There has been considerable speculation as to its age and meaning, and its original position as part of the church building, or whether it may even predate the church. It is clearly not a gargoyle as it has no drainage channel. It may have had an apotropaic purpose. It has facial and stylistic similarities with some Irish Sheela na Gigs, but it has no genitalia.

All Saints Church

References

  1. "A vision of Britain through time". University of Portsmouth. Retrieved 30 January 2009.
  2. "Rutland Civil Parish Populations" (PDF). Rutland County Council. 2001. Retrieved 30 January 2009.

External links


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