Moreton-in-Marsh, St David's Church

St David's Church, Moreton-in-Marsh

There has been a church ion the Cotswold market town of Moreton-in-Marsh since at least the 13th century, but the attractive building we see today is the third on the same site, erected in 1858.

History

The church stands in the oldest part of Moreton, dubbed Old Town. The first church on this spot was built in the late 13th century. The only remnant from this medieval building is a 14th-century stone screen, now installed in St Lawrence Church in Bourton-on-the-Hill, a mile and a half to the west.

Another relic of this medieval building is a 15th-century corbel, now attached to the wall of an outbuilding in East Street, a short stroll from the church.

John Hooper memorial, 1845

The dedication of the church to St David probably comes from a nearby holy well, located to the east of the churchyard. The well water was reputed to cure eye ailments and was thus dedicated to St David, who was said to cure blindness with a healing touch.

The church was rebuilt in 1858 under the direction of Joseph Gill of nearby Bourton-on-the-Hill, to the designs of the architects Poulton and Woodman of Reading. The style is that of the 13th century, in keeping with the church's origins. The striking tower and slender spire were added in 1861.

The tower and spire together rise 35 metres (115 feet). The tower is built of golden ashlar stone and is built in three stages. In the belfry are 8 bells, the oldest of which dates to 1693.

The only reminder of the Tudor church is the tower arch, visible inside the church. The pilasters and base of the nave arcades survive from alterations in 1790, as does the north vestry.

17th-century painting of the Venerable Bede

Highlights

The oldest stained glass in the church is in a small window in the south wall of the chancel. This forms a memorial to a pair of 18th-century members of the congregation. This is the only glass to survive from the earlier church on this site.

In the north aisle is a memorial window in honour of Rev. Gabriel Stokes, designed by the famous CE Kempe studio. In the south aisle is a 17th-century painting of the Venerable Bede translating the gospel of St John.

1858 stone pulpit

To the left of the west door are early 19th-century memorials. The finest is a marble scroll in memory of John Hooper, who died in 1845.

On the north side of the chancel arch is a finely-carved stone pulpit, given in 1858 by a wealthy linen manufacturer. The carvings depict local industries in the Moreton area during the middle of the 19th century. To the south of the arch is a font, dating to the same period, while in the side chapel is an oak memorial screen designed by Frederick Bligh Bond and dating to 1910.

Rev. Stokes memorial window by Kempe

St David's Church is a delightful Victorian building, spacious and full of light. It is well worth the time to explore the Old Town area immediately surrounding the church to enjoy the wealth of attractive older cottages.

Visiting

There is parking on Church Street, outside the churchyard. As far as we can determine, the church is regularly open to visitors. It was open when we visited.