Ampney St Mary

Lovely cottages at Ampney St Mary

Summary

There are really two distinct parts of Ampney St Mary. The largest part is a cluster of attractive Cotswold cottages. But as you look around the cottages you'll realise there's something missing; there's no church.

That's because the second part of the village, in the form of the historic parish church of St Mary's, is actually located about a mile away from the rest of the village. It is worth making the journey, though, for within St Mary's is a wonderful set of medieval wall paintings.

The village itself is a peaceful haven of cottages strung out along a minor road just a few miles east of Cirencester. There is little enough of note in the village, though it is pretty. The church stands in isolated splendour over a mile away from the village, across the A417.

It seems likely that the main village was moved away from the church after the Black Death decimated the population in the 14th century.

The church is well worth a visit for its excellent medieval wall paintings, which include several quite mischievous faces.

A striking carving of a lion and gryphon is set into the lintel of the north door. The font is Norman and retains its original pedestal and base.