St Leonard's Church, Spernall

St Leonard's Church, Spernall
St Leonard's Church, Spernall, from the southeast
St Leonard's Church, Spernall Location in Warwickshire
Coordinates: 52°15′26″N 1°52′29″W / 52.2572°N 1.8748°W / 52.2572; -1.8748
OS grid reference	SP 086 621
Location	Spernall, Warwickshire
Country	England
Denomination	Anglican
Website	Friends of Friendless Churches
Architecture
Functional status	Redundant
Heritage designation	Grade II*
Designated	1 February 1967
Architectural type	Church
Groundbreaking	12th century
Completed	c. 1844
Specifications
Nave width	10 feet 2 inches (3.10 m)
Materials	Limestone with some brick and lias

St Leonard's Church is a redundant church in Spernall, Warwickshire, England. It is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade II* listed building, and is under the care of the Friends of Friendless Churches.

The first documentary evidence of the church is in the 1190s, and much of its fabric, including the chancel arch, and some of the glass, dates back to the 12th century. Additions and amendments were made in the 14th century. The northwest corner of the nave was rebuilt in brick in the 18th century. The proch was initially timber-framed, but was rebuilt in 1802 and again in 1847. In or around 1844 the chancel, and the bellcote were added. The bellcote replaced and earlier pyramidal cap. Oak seating and panelling were installed in the church in 1935.

The nave is constructed in limestone with some brick, and the chancel is in lias. The nave is roofed with old tiles, while the tiles roofing the chancel are from the 20th century. The plan of the church consists of a two-bay nave and a single-bay chancel with a south porch that was used as a vestry. At the west end is a single bellcote. The chancel measures 12 feet 9 inches (3.89 m) by 10 feet 2 inches (3.10 m). The east window is a wheel window, and on the side walls are small round-headed windows. The nave measures 37 feet 3 inches (11.35 m) by 15 feet 10 inches (4.83 m) and contains two windows and a doorway in both the north and the south walls; the doorway in the south wall opens into a porch. At the west end is a two-light window. The communion rails date from the 18th century, while the font and other furnishings are later. The north door dates from 1535 and is described as "a work of national interest". The door was damaged in 1994 by vandals, but it still retains its original uprights and wooden tracery, and a ring pull set in a lion's mouth. At one time there was a sundial added in 1818, but this has disappeared. There is a single bell that was cast from the two bells present before the restoration of 1844. The church plate includes a cup hallmarked London 1655. The parish registers date from 1562, but are incomplete before 1666.