Parts of the building date from the 13th century. The original church included a chapel used by the Knights Hospitallers, the site is now occupied by the Tharp family chapel, at the east end of the north aisle.
Here is a view of the church from the south east.
A fire in 1446 resulted in a substantial rebuilding. The south porch together with the Perpendicular aisle and clerestory date from this rebuilding. On March 23rd 1643, the church was severely vandalised by the Puritan William Dowsing, who smashed the windows and covered the 15th century frescoes with whitewash.
The combination of an overcast day and many stained glass windows made this church very dark. The internal photographs were, as a result, a little under exposed, although I have rescued some using electronic adjustment.
Here is a view of the nave looking east. The north pillars are 15th century the ones on the south were replaced during restoration work in 1893.
A view looking out through the chancel arch (restored in 1885 by Rattee & Kett of Cambridge) into the nave. The rood screen is original and the central arch is surrounded by lions heads.
The chancel, notice the remains of the Norman window behind the altar. The east window was installed in alterations to the chancel in 1885, which is also when the choir stalls and unfortunate floor tiles were installed.
The depiction of St Nicholas, the patron saint, is from a window in the south wall. Click here or on the picture to see the rest of the windows.
Here is a closer view of the piscina.
This elaborate alabaster monument on the north wall of the chancel is to Sir Thomas Revett, owner of the Chippenham Estate in the 16th century. He was knighted by Elizabeth I during a royal visit here in 1578. He died in 1582 aged 62 and is depicted with his two wives and four daughters.
The font, 1893, and pipe organ.
This painting of St Christopher (carrying the infant Jesus on his back) is on the north wall and is 15th century. There is another depicting the martyrdom of St Erasmus on the same wall, which is badly deteriorated. This unfortunate soul died having his intestines pulled out on a capstan. Another, depicting St Michael, was smashed accidentally during restoration in the 1970s. I'm glad is wasn't me!
Here is a final view of the church from the north east.
The church have their own website, here.
I found this church unlocked and beautifully kept.
Digital photographs
Visitors to this album since June 2003
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