HISTORY
The Parish Curch, dedicated to St Nicholas, dates back to the 13th century
and is among the finest medieval churches in the area. The first known vicar here arrived in
1316 and it is likely that divine services were taken by monks from Edington Priory previous to that date.
The building has seen many alteratins and additions throughout its long history and displays various architectural
styles; Early English, Perpendicular, Classical and Victorian.
The tower possesses fine gargoyles and tracery and over the entrance to the porch is fitted a
sundial (which may have originally been gilded) dated 1777.
The well-proportioned Lady Chapel in the south aisle contains a marble memorial dated 1713. The
Stafford Chapel off the north aisle was built by
John Stafford (c.1387-1542) who was brought up at
nearby Southwick Court, Archbishop of canterbury and holder of high civil office - the first
chancellor to bear the
title 'Lord Chancellor'
- as the final resting place of his mother.
The wooden pulpit is probably Jacobean.
During the 1862 restoration, the medieval grave of a priest was uncovered in the chancel and within his coffin were
conatined a medieval pewter chalice and paten - both are displayed on special occassions.
In 1862, the church was extensively restored by the noted Victorian architect Thomas Wyatt. Most of the stained glass dates from Wyatt's time.
The 15th century Font is described in Paley's Ancient Fonts as follows:-
A Perpendicular Font of rather late date, but of good design; both the bowl and shaft are octagonal and panelled; the former has double feathered quatrefoils enclosing shields, four of which are filled with evangelistic emblems, and the remaining ones with those of the crucifixion; the latter is also panelled, with round shafts at the angles resting on moulded bases, and which are continued under the bowl to the extreme edge, and support the buttresses at the angles of the bowl. It stands in the centre of the nave, at the west end, hid from general view by an unsightly modern screen.
AUBREY (circ. 1680) says:- "A notable old Gothique Font with the escutcheon of Christ's Passion, and the hieroglyphics of the Four Evangelists." |
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THE LIVING
The living is a vicarage in the gift of Winchester College since the Reformation, the connection being recalled by the stained glass window in the south aisle behind the font portraying the William of Wykeham, the founder of the College, and the naming of two housing developments in the village towards the end of the 20th century as College Gardens and Winchester Close.
PHOTO GALLERY
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MAP LINKS
Norton Bradley, Wiltshire OS Grid Ref: ST850550
Parish Churches of Wiltshire
