Coordinates: 52°39′N 0°46′W / 52.65°N 0.77°W
| Braunston-in-Rutland | |
  Braunston-in-Rutland shown within Rutland |
|
| Area[2] | 2.5 sq mi (6.5 km²) |
|---|---|
| Population | 392 2001 Census[1] |
| - Density | 157/sq mi (61/km²) |
| OS grid reference | |
| - London | 84 miles (135 km) SSE |
| Unitary authority | Rutland |
| Shire county | Rutland |
| Ceremonial county | Rutland |
| Region | East Midlands |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | OAKHAM |
| Postcode district | LE15 |
| Dialling code | 01572 |
| Police | Leicestershire |
| Fire | Leicestershire |
| Ambulance | East Midlands |
| European Parliament | East Midlands |
| UK Parliament | Rutland and Melton |
| List of places: UK • England • Rutland | |
Braunston-in-Rutland is a village and civil parish in the county of Rutland in the East Midlands of England.
Braunston is located roughly three miles (4.8 km) south-west of the county town of Oakham, and is close to the Rutland Water reservoir.
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 its 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 may have had an apotropaic purpose. It has facial and stylistic similarities with some Irish Sheela na Gigs, but it has no genitalia.
References
- ^ "Rutland Civil Parish Populations". Rutland County Council. 2001. http://www.rutland.gov.uk/ppimageupload/Image27657.PDF. Retrieved on 30 January 2009.
- ^ "A vision of Britain through time". University of Portsmouth. http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/data_cube_table_page.jsp?data_theme=T_POP&data_cube=N_AREA_A&u_id=10210963&c_id=10001043&add=Y. Retrieved on 30 January 2009.
External links
- At the Edge article on the Braunston "Goddess"
- Sheela Na Gig Project article on the Braunston figure
- Step back in time in Rutland, The Observer, The Guardian, January 25, 2009
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