Titchmarsh, Northamptonshire

The village's name is thought to mean '"Young goat's marsh" or possibly "Ticcea's marsh". Titchmarsh Castle was in fact a fortified manor house with a moat. Sir John Lovel received a licence to crenellate it in 1304 but it was in ruins by 1363. The Church of England parish church of Saint Mary may originally have been 12th century, as a Norman doorway of that date survives in the chancel. The doorway is not in its original position but has been re-set. The north aisle and arcade are 13th century. The ornate Perpendicular Gothic bell-tower is notable. Dr. F.J. Allen, who was an authority on the notable late medieval Somerset towers, described St. Mary's tower as "the finest parish church…