Take a Walk to See Three Historic Churches in the Wylye Valley
High Street, Heytesbury, Wiltshire, BA12 0EF
The church of St James in Tytherington is believed to be the smallest church in the area. It measures 49 feet by 13 feet and has walls 3 feet in thickness. Its simple interior has hardly changed since the 12th century. The font is believed to be part of the original 12th church and the simple oak pews date from the early 17th century.
St Margaret’s Church in the village of Knook was restored by William Butterfield in 1874 but his thoughtful restoration retained many of the early Norman features. Three generations of the Pottow family have continued the tradition of pumping the organ for services.
St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Heytesbury was a collegiate church until 1840. The church was endowed by Walter Hungerford and subsequently Lord Heytesbury with many of their memorials lining the two chapel walls. A memorial to William Cunnington, the father of archaeology, is also in the church. A 17th century stone screen separates the chapel from the nave. William Butterfield undertook a major restoration of the church in 1867, reinstating the collapsed chancel aisles, designing the nave and chancel pews, commissioning stained glass windows and creating an amazing decorative scheme in the chancel. The organ was given Grade 1 listed status in 2013.
Timings & Tours
- Friday 12 September:
- 14:00-16:00
- Friday 19 September:
- 14:00-16:00
- Saturday 20 September:
- 14:00-16:00
Location & directions
High Street, Heytesbury, Wiltshire, BA12 0EF
- Directions:
- St Peter and St Paul's Church is on the High Street near the Post Office and Red Lion Pub. Start your visit to the three churches at Heytesbury as it is easier to park along the High Street. A route map and information will be inside the church.
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- **NOT FOUND**
- Booking conditions:
Accessibility details
St Peter and St Paul's Church is wheelchair accessible; St Margaret's Church has limited access and it is advisable to discuss access in advance, and St James' is not accessible.
Additional information
For walking to the three churches, wear sensible shoes as you will be on a footpath through fields and on a road for a short stretch. the terrain is flat except for a short section through a wooded area.
