St Mary's Bitton - stories and objects

St Mary’s is a beautiful church, thirteenth century in appearance but of Saxon origin on a former Roman site. Why was this huge church built in this small village and why at the end of the tenth century was a huge Rood- a statue of Christ on the Cross - erected here?

Over the course of 90 minutes, and in six different locations around the church, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy not just a guided tour, but a journey through the extraordinary history of this church through its people, their connections and some objects that are not usually on public view, including parts of the Saxon Rood, an Elizabethan communion cup and the famous Ellacombe chimes. It is the story of the church and how it has weathered the changes in belief, doctrine and society in a history of well over a thousand years.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

Open from 9 am to 5pm Tours at 11.00am and 2.30pm

Location & directions

Church Road, Bitton, Bitton, Gloucestershire, BS30 6LJ

Directions:

Bitton is easily accessible by car. The A431 runs through the village, and it is served by bus routes to Bath and Bristol. Private Vehicles If you are coming by car turn at the White Hart for Church Road. Depending on the weather, parking should be available in adjacent Glebe Field. Please respect the signage and park responsibly. Church Road is narrow and can easily be blocked by inconsiderate parking. Please note there is no parking suitable fo disabled persons close to the church entrance which is served by narrow paths through the churchyard. A wheelchair, ramps and accessible toilet are available. Public Transport The nearest mainline stations are Bath Spa (6miles) Keynsham (2 miles) and Bristol Parkway (7miles). Buses run from Bath to Bristol Parkway (no 19) and eventually, Cribbs Causeway. Buses into central Bristol run from Willsbridge (45).

Contact on day:

Jim Heavens

Telephone number:

+447720248534

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking preferred

Booking conditions:

Please visit our website to obtain a free ticket beforehand. Let us know if you are later unable to attend.

Booking website:

https://www.stmarysbitton.org.uk/event/heritage-open-day/

Booking opens:

05 Jul 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

13 Sep 2025 01:30 PM

Accessibility details

There is no marked disabled parking and the church door can only be reached along paths in the churchyard, although these are all suitable for wheelchairs. Please park considerately for others and local residents. Poor parking can block the road and it may be you who needs an ambulance in an emergency! Parking may be available in an adjacent field if weather permits

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

20

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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