Langham: Village History, Churchyard and Wildflower Meadow

Langham combines an impressive local history with a special natural setting in the churchyard of St Peter and Paul. Those looking for more than just somewhere to stay on their trip, and who are interested in making discoveries, will find listed buildings, historic traces, a guided village walk and a wildflower meadow with more than 100 vascular plant species. The different impressions can easily be arranged according to personal interests: at one time, architecture and history may be the focus, while at another, plants, paths and quiet observation may take centre stage.

Listed History in the Village

The Church of St Peter and St Paul on Church Street is a Grade I listed building. The entire village of Langham and part of its surroundings lie within a Conservation Area. The historic character of the village also includes 40 listed buildings. This gives you several architectural and cultural-historical points of interest, without reducing the village’s history to a single building.

One of the distinctive details is the village cross. Its simple, carved arcading provides evidence of its early medieval age and the quality of its workmanship. The cross stands in the north-eastern corner of the churchyard of the Church of St Peter and St Paul; it was probably moved there in the mid-17th century. Old Hall also adds to the historic character, with a core dating from 1665. From 1925 to 1930, the building was extensively extended by Goodhart Rendel.

Langham church contains an illuminated manuscript about the history of Simon de Langham. Simon de Langham was born in Langham around 1310 and elected Archbishop of Canterbury in 1366. Another unusual tradition concerns the patronal festival: at that time, the aisles in Langham church are strewn with hay. Details like these give a trip through the village a personal and memorable focus.

Churchyard Among Plants and Paths

In addition to its historical associations, the churchyard offers its own way to experience nature. A wildflower meadow was established in 2019 on the site of older, unattended graves, in order to preserve native plants and insects. More than 100 vascular plant species grow in the churchyard. The meadow consists of a mixture of unmown areas and areas cut annually. Mown footpaths run through it.

Langham churchyard has two entrance gates from Church Street; another entrance is located on Well Street. This information helps you visualise the location when planning your own visit, while the diversity of plants and the changing management of the meadows create the natural aspect. Those equally interested in village history and native plants can bring both themes together as the focus of a single visit.

Local History on the Guided Tour

Langham has a guided village tour with stops covering local attractions and the history of the village. More recent historical traces also form part of the village’s character. Ruddle Way was created on the site of the former Langham Brewery, which was founded by Richard Westbrook Baker in 1858. Langham Brewery closed in 1999 after several takeovers.

A bridge over the stream on the village tour was originally a medieval packhorse bridge. Its original fabric survives beneath the 1999 rebuilding. The tour therefore connects different layers of history: ecclesiastical history, former economic use and the structural traces of an older route. For a family trip, this can be an engaging way to get to know the village through specific stories rather than merely through a list of attractions.

Langham as a Base for Planning Your Holiday

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Langham, your choice should suit the type of trip you are planning. Langham particularly appeals to travellers who want to combine historic buildings, local history and nature observation. Accommodation in the village can serve as a starting point for planning your own days, without committing you to just one theme. You can focus on the Church of St Peter and St Paul and the village cross, explore the diversity of plants in the churchyard or choose the guided village tour with its local stops.

Those who prefer to compare several local destinations for their holiday can also include Ashwell, Seaton, Lyddington, Uppingham, Morcott, Oakham, Clipsham and Cottesmore in their wider planning.

For the overarching travel overview: Rutland.