England
Wiltshire

Wiltshire Travel Guide - Historic Churches

Alton Priors, All Saints Location map Alton Priors, Wiltshire A redundant church standing beside a stream, just opposite the church of St Mary's in the neighbouring parish of AltonBarnes. All Saints was founded in Norman times, but the current building is largely late medieval. Alton Priors, Wiltshire, England, SN8 4LA Location: Off the A345, 8 miles south west of Marlborough Website: Alton Priors, All Saints Churches Conservation Trust

Berwick Bassett, St Nicholas Church Location map Berwick Bassett, Wiltshire The small church of St Nicholas at Berwick Bassett stands near the Ridgeway Trail just north of Avebury. The church is mostly 14th century, though it may be built on an earlier structure. Berwick Bassett, Wiltshire, England, SN4 9NQ Location: 8 miles north west of Marlborough off the A4361 Website: Berwick Bassett, St Nicholas Church Churches Conservation Trust

Berwick St Leonard Church Location map Berwick St Leonard, Wiltshire A 12th century Grade-II listed church in a secluded location, St Leonard's retains much of its Norman character despite a Victorian restoration. There is a carved Norman tympanum over the south door, and an Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) carving over the inside of the door, also of Norman date. Berwick St Leonard, Wiltshire, England, SP3 5UA Location: 1 mile east of Hindon on the B3089 Website: Berwick St Leonard Church Churches Conservation Trust

Borbach Chantry Chapel Location map West Dean, Wiltshire The village of West Dean is on the border between Wiltshire and Hampshire. The current parish church dates to the Victorian period, but tucked away in a wooded glade nearby is a wonderful medieval treasure in the form of the Borbach Chantry, a 14th century chapel that was once attached to the medieval parish church. West Dean, Wiltshire, England, SP5 1JJ Location: 7 miles south east of Salisbury, off the A36. Located north of the current parish church Website: Borbach Chantry Chapel Churches Conservation Trust

Castle Eaton Church Castle Eaton, Wiltshire A lovely Norman church in the banks of the River Thames. Notable for its striking circular bell turret, carved dragon door stops, and beautifully carved Elizabethan pulpit made of salvaged bits of a 15th century screen. Two fine late Norman doors and a 13th century chancel arch add to the appeal of this beautiful country church. Castle Eaton, Wiltshire, England, Location: In the centre of the village, on a minor road 3 miles north east of Cricklade, off the A419

Chisbury Chapel Location map Chisbury, Wiltshire A small late 13th century chapel made of flint walls and topped with a thatched roof. It was built by the lord of Chisbury Manor as a chapel of ease, so that local villagers and the manor household would not have to travel to Great Bedwyn parish church. An alternative theory is that it was a free chapel supported by the Abbey of St Denys, in Hampshire. Manor Farm, Chisbury, Wiltshire, England, SN8 3JA Location: Off a minor road just east of Chisbury, by Manor Farm Website: Chisbury Chapel English Heritage

Chute Forest, St Mary's Church Location map Chute Forest, Wiltshire A Victorian church in a countryside setting, St Mary's was built in 1875 to a design by JL Pearson for Thomas Fowle of Chute Lodge. The church was intended to serve the new parish of Chute Forest, which was later combined with the parish of Chute, making St Mary's redundant. Chute Forest, Wiltshire, England, SP11 9DF Location: Off the A342 6 miles north west of Andover Website: Chute Forest, St Mary's Church Churches Conservation Trust

Draycot Cerne, St James Church Location map Draycot Cerne, Wiltshire An early medieval century church in a parkland setting within the privately owned Draycot House estate, St James has a 13th century nave and an Early English chancel. Interestingly, the floor of the chancel is set below that of the earlier nave. Draycot Cerne, Wiltshire, England, SN15 5LG Location: 4 miles north of Chippenham off the B4069, 2 miles from exit 17 of the M4 Website: Draycot Cerne, St James Church Churches Conservation Trust

Edington Priory Church Edington, Wiltshire A lovely mid-14th century church built by the Bishop of Winchester for the religious order of Bonshommes. The church is one of the finest examples in the country of the transitional period between Decorated Gothic and Perpendicular architecture.The interior features some excellent medieval tombs, including the painted 15th century Baynton memorial. Edington, Wiltshire, England, Location: On Monastery Rd, in the centre of Edington village, just off the B3098, 5 miles east of Westbury

Everleigh, St Peter's Church Location map Everleigh, Wiltshire Most early 19th century churches would not be thought of as architecturally important, but St Peter's breaks that mold. It was designed in 1813 by John Morlidge for the Francis Astley, and was one of the first church buildings to be constructed with an iron frame. Everleigh, Wiltshire, England, SN8 3EY Location: 5 miles east of Upavon on the A342 Website: Everleigh, St Peter's Church Churches Conservation Trust

Fisherton Delamere, St Nicholas Church Location map Fisherton Delamere, Wiltshire St Nicholas church stands on a hillside above the Wylye valley The church is primarily 14th century, and consists of a nave, chancel, north transept, and an imposing south tower. Fisherton Delamere, Wiltshire, England, BA12 0PZ Location: 1 mile north of Wylye village Website: Fisherton Delamere, St Nicholas Church Churches Conservation Trust

Idmiston, All Saints Church Location map Idmiston, Wiltshire The Grade-I listed church at Idmiston dates to the 12th century, though much of the current building is 14th century. From that latter period are the clerestory, and two-storey north porch. Idmiston, Wiltshire, England, SP4 0AU Location: Off the A338 6 miles north east of Salisbury Website: Idmiston, All Saints Church Churches Conservation Trust

Imber, St Giles Church Location map Imber, Wiltshire The  Wiltshire village of Imber was evacuated in 1943 to allow the military to utilise Salisbury Plain for training purposes. The village was never reoccupied and the area is still part of the Battle Training Area. The church of St Giles is one of only a few intact buildings remaining in Imber. Imber, Wiltshire, England, SN10 5UB Location: 2 miles north east of Warminster off the A362 Website: Imber, St Giles Church Churches Conservation Trust

Inglesham, St John's Church Location map Inglesham, Wiltshire A delightful rural church just south of the River Thames on the northern fringe of Wiltshire. St John the Baptist church is largely a 13th century building, though there was likely a church on this spot since the Saxon period. Inglesham, Wiltshire, England, SN6 7RD Location: One mile south of Lechlade, on a minor road off the A361 Website: Inglesham, St John's Church Churches Conservation Trust

Leigh Delamere Church Location map Leigh Delamere, Wiltshire The church of St Margaret of Antioch in Leigh Delamere dates to 1846. It was built by James Thomson, who incorporated parts of an earlier 12th century church into the new building. Leigh Delamere, Wiltshire, England, SN14 6JZ Location: 5 miles north east of Chippenham Website: Leigh Delamere Church Churches Conservation Trust

Leigh, All Saints Church Location map Leigh, Wiltshire What remains of the medievall church of All Saints stands amid farm fields close to the source of the Thames. The low-lying site is subject to damp, which helps explain why the church was moved to higher ground in 1896, leaving behind only the chancel of the original church. Leigh, Wiltshire, England, SN6 6QY Location: 3 miles west of Cricklade off the B4040 Website: Leigh, All Saints Church Churches Conservation Trust

Maddington, St Mary's Church Location map Maddington, Wiltshire A much remodelled Norman church in a quiet village location, St Mary's features quite a lot of 17th century work in the interior. The church was built sometime before 1179. The nave may be 12th century, and the chancel and tower 13th century. Shrewton, Maddington, Wiltshire, England, SP3 4JE Website: Maddington, St Mary's Church Churches Conservation Trust

Old Dilton, St Mary's Church Location map Old Dilton, Wiltshire The approach to this lovely little church beside the River Biss is under a railway arch. The church itself dates to the 14th century, but it has a very Georgian character, thanks to extensive 18th century remodelling. The west spire is quite amazing, unlike any I have seen before; it looks for all the world like a miniature rocket about to lift off. Old Dilton, Wiltshire, England, BA13 4DB Location: 3 miles north of Warminster off the A350 Website: Old Dilton, St Mary's Church Churches Conservation Trust

Old Sarum Old Sarum, Wiltshire In 1075 Bishop Osmund built a cathedral at Old Sarum, beneath the mighty Norman castle. The cathedral lasted until 1220, when the current cathedral of Salisbury was built a few miles to the south. Old Sarum is approached via an opening in two high Iron Age banks, which obscure the site from outside, and give it the air of a mysterious hidden castle. Old Sarum, Wiltshire, England, Location: Just north of Salisbury off the A345

Orcheston, St George's Church Location map Orcheston, Wiltshire The medieval church of St George's is a small building, composed of only a chancel, nave, and two-tier west tower. There is a Norman north door, though this is somewhat hidden by the vestry. Orcheston, Wiltshire, England, SP3 4HL Location: 1 mile north of Shrewton off the A360 Website: Orcheston, St George's Church Churches Conservation Trust

Rollestone, St Andrew's Church Location map Rolestone, Wiltshire A small 13th century church above the River Till, St Andrew's retains its original 13th century font. The building is constructed of flint and stone in an attractive chequerboard pattern, and consists of a nave, a very small chancel, south porch, and wooden bell turret. Rollestone Road, Shrewton, Rolestone, Wiltshire, England, SP3 4HG Location: 1 mile south east of Shrewton off the A360 Website: Rollestone, St Andrew's Church Churches Conservation Trust

Salisbury Cathedral Location map Salisbury, Wiltshire The see of Salisbury has quite a history. The bishop's seat was originally at Sherborne, then it was shared between Sherborne and Ramsbury, then it was moved to Old Sarum in 1075, where the monks proved incapable of living peaceably with the inhabitants of the castle next door. In 1228 the see moved again to Salisbury (New Sarum), and work was begun on a new cathedral. The upshot of this turmoil was that the new structure was built fresh, without reference to any previous building. Cathedral Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, SP1 2EF Location: In the centre of Salisbury, well signposted for pedestrians. Several paid parking lots available with 5 minutes walk. Website: Salisbury Cathedral Email: visitors@salcath.co.uk Phone: 01722 555 120

South Tidworth, St Mary's Church Location map South Tidworth, Wiltshire A lushly decorated Victorian church built by architect John Johnson for Sir John Kelk. Sir John was the engineer responsible for several large public projects in London, including the 1851 Great Exhibition, the Albert Memorial, and Victoria Station. Shipton Road, South Tidworth, Wiltshire, England, SP9 7ST Location: 1 mile south of Tidworth on the A338 Website: South Tidworth, St Mary's Church Churches Conservation Trust

St Laurence, Bradford-on-Avon Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire The tiny Saxon church of St Laurence at Bradford on Avon is one of the best preserved Saxon sites in England. Originally built around the year 1000, for many years the church was used as a school, and its ecclesiastical origins were lost. Now fully restored, it provides a moving glimpse of Saxon architecture and worship over a thousand years ago. Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, England,

St Michaels, Highworth Location map Highworth, Wiltshire Lovely historic church in the centre of the market town of Highworth. The most notable feature is a small but superbly carved 12th century tympanum over the south door. Vicarage Lane, Highworth, Wiltshire, England, SN6 7AG Location: Just off the Market Square. Nearby paid parking lot, and free on street parking if you can find a spot!

Steeple Ashton Church Steeple Ashton, Wiltshire A superb Perpendicular Gothic church, one of the finest parish churches in the country. St Mary's boasts a variety of exceptional carved grotesques, excellent lierne vaulting, and wonderfully carved figures acting as springers for the nave and aisle vaulting. Church Street, Steeple Ashton, Wiltshire, England, Location: In the centre of the village. Steeple Ashton is located off a minor road about 4 miles east of Trowbridge.

Stratford Tony Church Location map Stratford Tony, Wiltshire The church of St Mary and St Lawrence at Stratford Tony is a quiet country church located in a secluded - one might even say scarcely accessible - location near the River Ebble. Stratford Tony, Wiltshire, England, SP5 4AT Location: 4 miles south west of Salisbury off the A354 Website: Stratford Tony Church Churches Conservation Trust

Sutton Veny, St Leonards Church Location map Sutton Veny, Wiltshire Also known as Sutton Veny Old Church, St Leonards is a medieval church set in a peaceful location. When the floor of the church began to suffer from subsidence in the Victorian period, St Leonards was replaced by a more modern building. The nave, transepts, and crossing now stand roofless and open to the elements. Duck Street, Sutton Veny, Wiltshire, England, BA12 7AL Website: Sutton Veny, St Leonards Church Churches Conservation Trust

Wilton, St Mary's Church Location map Wilton, Wiltshire The village of Wilton is best known for its history as a centre of carpet manufacture and the location of Wilton House, one of the finest stately homes in England. There is another historical feature that deserves a mention, howebver, and that is the old medieval church of St Mary's, which stands in the Market Place. Market Place, Wilton, Wiltshire, England, SP2 0HQ Location: On the A30 in the centre of Wilton, 3 miles west of Salisbury Website: Wilton, St Mary's Church Churches Conservation Trust