The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

Inspiration for the song "Skyline Pigeon"

Church of St. Peter & St. Paul Click to enlarge. Copyright 2001 OnThisVerySpot.com.

Church Lane
Owmby-by-Spital, Lincolnshire
England

On This Very Spot as a young boy, Bernie Taupin would climb the ladders inside the bell tower, crawl out on the church roof, and look down on his village in the gathering dusk. It is thought that these moments of solitude helped inspire the lyric for an early Elton John song, Skyline Pigeon: "I want to hear the pealing bells of distant churches sing."

The Taupin's home Maltkiln Farm was at the other end of Church Lane, just a few hundred yards from this small 15th-century Anglican church. Because they were Catholic, the Taupins did not attend church here, but instead went to Holy Rood Catholic Church in nearby Market Rasen.

Submitted by: Jerome Ely

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Condition: This church has remained virtually unchanged for hundreds of years.

Public Access: This is an operating church and is open to the public during usual hours.

Parking: There is free public parking available along the village streets.

Location: Owmby is a small village located about nine miles north of Lincoln.

Nearest Major Airport: Birmingham or Manchester

Directions: Take the A15 north out of Lincoln for about seven miles, then turn right onto the road signposted for Owmby. Once in the village, turn right on Church Lane.