At first glance the church at Denton might look medieval but in fact all of it apart from the 13th century tower was rebuilt in 1827/ 28 by Charles Squirhill. He created a rather plain preaching box inside with a gallery. This rather dull space was transformed in the latter part of the 20th century when the local artist Henry Bird (1909 - 2000) created a series of splendid, if rather unlikely wall decorations. In effect he created a series of tableaux taking as his subjects, amongst others, The Garden of Gethsemane, Moses and the Burning Bush, the Flight into Egypt etc. These are interspersed with large single figures which include St Margaret herself as well as St Dorothea and St Werberg. These transform the building as they are life size and surrounded by gothic stencil work. Bird was a well respected theatrical scene painter and anybody attending the Theatre Royal in Northampton will be familiar with his enchanting safety curtain. Denton was his largest project and his masterpiece. It makes an unusual but a well worth while detour off the Northampton to Bedford road.
Please refer to the Glossary for any terms in the text that you are unfamiliar with.