Winterbourne Monkton Church, History & Photos

St Mary Magdalene church,
Winterbourne Monkton

The roots of St Mary Magdalene church go back to 928 AD, when Glastonbury Abbey owned an estate here. Monks from Glastonbury settled at Winterbourne, and built a small chapel, or church, though possibly in a different location.

The church we see today dates to 1133. The abbot of Cirencester controlled Winterbourne until 1361, but at the Dissolution of the Monasteries it passed into crown hands.

The first 12th century church was simply the current chancel, with a separate detached bell tower. In the 14th century the tower and chancel were linked by a nave, creating the current layout. What makes St Mary Magdalene so unusual is that the bell tower was supported, not with cut timbers, but by four tree trunks. Two of these trunks are still visible at the west end of the nave.

The Norman font

The earliest feature at Winterbourne is the font, carved in the 12th century with scallop designs and traditional Norman zigzags. Bits of medieval paint can still be seen on the font.

The earliest part of the building are the south porch, north doorway, and a part of the doorway, all of which date to the 13th century. The chancel arch is 13th century, as is a small lancet window in the chancel. There are fragments of 13th century glass in some of the single lancet windows. On either side of the chancel arch is a 13th century piscina.

The pulpit is 17th century, with some very nicely carved panels. The communion table dates to 1678 and there are several 17th century pews as well.

Just outside the east end of the church is a tombstone to Rev John Brinsden (1719), which is made from a Sarsen stone brought from the nearby prehistoric barrow of Millbarrow. Set into the exterior of the south well is a vent which allows you to see a carved stone beam, thought to be either late Saxon or early Norman.

Historic Highlights

Tree tunks supporting the tower
Norman font
13th century chancel arch and doorways

Visiting
This is a lovely little country church, in a pretty village setting. The most interesting feature is the pair of tree trunks supporting the west tower, and the vey nicely carved Norman font.

Tree trunk tower braces

The Jacobean pulpit

Susanna Butler memorial
(d. 1824)

About Winterbourne Monkton
Address: Manor Farm Road, Winterbourne Monkton, Wiltshire, England, SN4 9NW
Attraction Type: Historic Church
Location: Beside Manor Farm, off the A4361 at the southern edge of the village. Usually open daylight hours.
Location map
OS: SU097719
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express

NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS

Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low-exceptional) on historic interest

Windmill Hill - 0.8 miles (Prehistoric Site)

Berwick Bassett, St Nicholas Church - 1 miles (Historic Church)

Alexander Keiller Museum - 1.2 miles (Museum)

Avebury, St James Church - 1.3 miles (Historic Church)

Avebury Stone Circle - 1.3 miles (Prehistoric Site)

Avebury Manor and Garden - 1.3 miles (Historic House)

West Kennet Avenue - 1.6 miles (Prehistoric Site)

Silbury Hill - 2.1 miles (Prehistoric Site)

Nearest Accommodation to Winterbourne Monkton:

Self Catering - B&Bs/Guesthouses - Hotels

Nearest Tourist Information Centre ('as the crow flies')

Swindon
Tourist Information Centre
37 Regent Street
Swindon
Wiltshire
England
SN1 1JL
Tel: 01793 530 328
Alternate Tel: 01793 466 454
Fax: 01793 434 031
Email: infocentre@swindon.gov.uk
map

Winterbourne Monkton, St Mary Magdalen Church

History, tourist information, and nearby accommodation

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Nearest Hotels

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Nearest Tourist Information Centre ('as the crow flies')

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