Braunston-in-Rutland
| Braunston-in-Rutland | |
| Rutland | |
|---|---|
 The green, Braunston-in-Rutland | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | SK834069 |
| Location: | 52°39’-0"N, 0°46’12"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 392 (2001) |
| Post town: | Oakham |
| Postcode: | LE15 |
| Dialling code: | 01572 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Rutland |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Rutland and Melton |
Braunston-in-Rutland is a village in Rutland, some three miles south-west of the county town, Oakham, and to the south of Rutland Water. The River Gwash flows through the village.
The village has two public houses, The Old Plough, and the 17th-century Blue Ball Inn.
The parish church, which has a circular churchyard, is dedicated to All Saints.
The Braunston "Goddess"
A curious sculpted stone stands in the churchyard, at the west end of the church, close to the tower. Known as the Braunston "Goddess", it was found in about 1920 when the church doorstep needed to be replaced. When the slab was lifted this carving was revealed on the underside.
There has been considerable speculation as to the sculpture's age and meaning, and its original position as part of the church building, or whether it may even predate the church. It is clearly not a gargoyle as it has no drainage channel. It has facial and stylistic similarities with some Irish Sheela na Gigs, but without the more personal, nether detail of the latter type.
Outside links
- Step back in time in Rutland, The Observer, The Guardian, January 25, 2009
- At the Edge article on the Braunston "Goddess"
- Sheela Na Gig Project article on the Braunston figure
