St Andrew’s Church
Since the 15th century, St Andrew’s has been at the heart of the Thursford community. Today it acts as the village’s community hub, everyone is welcome to visit, join one of our regular community events and attend services.
Welcome to St Andrew’s
Since the 15th century, St Andrew’s has been at the heart of the Thursford community. Today, it’s unique and successful blend of Medieval and Victorian architecture along with its remarkable collection of stained glass windows, the church attracts visitors from across the UK. Acting as the village’s community hub, everyone is welcome to visit, join one of our regular community events and attend services.
Services at St Andrew’s ~ April – May 2026
You will find a service every Sunday either at St Andrew’s or at one of our sister churches in the Waymarker benefice. Our services are informal, friendly and welcoming to all.
Please click here to access details of all services.
St Andrew’s as a community hub
The church building, known locally as the St Andrew’s Venue, hosts a wide number of community events throughout the year. Details of these you’ll find on our events page.
If you are anywhere near Thursford on the first Saturday of the month (10am – midday), why not join us for coffee and homemade cakes. There is no charge but donations are happily accepted!
What to see when you visit
St Andrew’s is a deservedly Grade II* listed building, in a beautiful rural setting, that has changed little over recent centuries. The tower, South Aisle and porch date back to the 15th century. The remainder is Victorian Gothic at its finest, including a stunning carved marble font, raised chapel, dedicated to Sir Chad the church’s 19th century restorer, and mosaic altar reredos, all overlooked by iron work chandeliers. Then, there’s the stained glass, including the west window, described by Pesvener as some “of the most beautiful of its time in England”.
Stained Glass at St Andrew’s
Take a walk around the church and you’ll find amazing examples of stained glass almost everywhere you look.
The East window, over the altar was designed by Arthur Moore in 1873 and today is his only complete window to have survived.
The Chancel windows to many are equally fine, depicting St Mary, St Joseph of Arimathaea, St Cecilia and St Chad. They were designed by H.E. Woolridge, another renowned Victorian artist.
Set in the South Aisle is an unusual panel depicting the Royal Arms of Elizabeth 1. Dated 1579 it is a remarkable survivor from the 16th century.
The New Chad Chapel Window
Dominating the raised Chad Chapel in the North East corner of the church is a stunning new stained glass window, installed in June 2023.
Known as ‘The Time Capsule’ the design features key images of present day life in this rural community and the local area. Music, flowers, wildlife, traction engines, tractors and other images represent a time capsule of life in this small parish. The new window replaces older plain frosted glazing which had become cracked and was described as “at risk”.
Created by local artists Rose and Keiran Waits BA Hons, stained glass window experts from Driftwood Glass Studio based in Burnham Deepdale, the design was inspired by local parishioners expressing their vision as to what is special about living Thursford today.
The St Andrew’s Guide
Make sure you pick up a copy when you visit to learn more about our fascinating church.
St Andrew’s Window Guide
A comprehensive guide to all the major church windows is available to download. Owing to the depth of detail in this guide it is presented in 5 separate downloads:
Thursford Church Windows pdf 1
Thursford Church Windows pdf 2
Thursford Church Windows pdf 3
Thursford Church Windows pdf 4
Thursford Church Windows pdf 5