Church of St Mary, Swainswick explained

Church of St Mary
Pushpin Map:Somerset
Map Caption:St Mary's location in Somerset
Coordinates:51.4142°N -2.3514°W
Location:Swainswick, Somerset
Country:England
Denomination:Church of England
Churchmanship:Central
Dedication:St Mary the Virgin
Status:Active
Functional Status:Parish church
Heritage Designation:Grade II*
Designated Date:1 February 1956[1]
Years Built:12th century
Diocese:Diocese of Bath and Wells
Province:Province of Canterbury
Rector:Reverend Rob Densmore

The Anglican Church of St Mary in Swainswick within the English county of Somerset dates from the 12th century. It is a Grade II* listed building.[1]

Vestiges of the original 12th-century building can still be seen around the doorway in the south wall. However, much of the fabric is from the 14th century, when the three stage square tower and porch were added. Various alterations were made over the centuries, and a major Victorian restoration, by Charles Edward Davis, included rebuilding of the chancel.[1] [2]

The church contains monuments to the parents of William Prynne, the Puritan parliamentarian, who was born in the village in 1600.[3] There is a ledger slab of John Wood the Elder, architect of Georgian Bath.[4] In the nave is the Royal coat of arms of Charles I.[1]

The parish is part of the benefice of Swainswick with Woolley within the Diocese of Bath and Wells.[5]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Church of St Mary. Historic England. 30 October 2015.
  2. Web site: History. St. Mary the Virgin, Swainswick, Bath. 30 October 2015.
  3. Prynne, William.
  4. Web site: History. Swainswick Church. 28 February 2021.
  5. Web site: St Mary the Blessed Virgin, Swainswick. A Church Near You. Church of England. 30 October 2015.