GENERAL HISTORY
The church was probably built in the late 12th century, as attested by the Norman style of the south door.
The reverend John Spencer, who was the rector of Howell between 1424 and 1448, instigated many works and additions to the church.
Howell suffered during the Civil War and the stained glass was damaged, apart of some remains still visible in a quatrefoil light, in the north side of the chapel.
Howell Church fell into disrepair after the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry III, in the 16th century. An ecclesiastical revival was attempted in the early 17th century and despite this effort, Howell’s advowson was only worth £30 per annum.
Two new church bells were founded in order to celebrate the end of the Commonwealth and put in the tower. An inscription on the bell reads:
'Tobis Norris cast me, AD. 1666'
In the late 17th, early 18th century one of them was sold to pay for the repair of the Church.
Repairs occurred once more in 1870 at a cost of £550, mainly raised by subscription. Charles Kirk, esquire of Sleaford, architect and builder, was chosen to perform the changes of the church fabric. This major project included the discarding of the ancient seats, the removal of the roofs of the nave and chancel and their re-roofing, the re-glazing of the windows and the addition of a new pulpit. Part of the floor was altered: some of the ledger stones and coffins were displaced but were re-placed as nearby as possible to their original position. The unwanted material was sold.
From the 19th century very little has changed in Howell. The church is still without electricity and the only light source by candlelight. This gives Howell a unique and charming atmosphere.