Wilton: St Mary Old Church
Overview
Grid reference: SU 97 312
The present building consists of the chancel and sanctuary of the former parish church of St. Mary: the south arcade (of three bays) and much of the west wall of the original Perpendicular nave still stand, including the west window arch. The walls of the building are of finely dressed stone - except for the former openings on the north and south sides (towards the west of the existing building) which have been blocked with coursed rubble stone.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Description of Archaeology and History
One of the twelve churches which formerly existed in the mediaeval town of Wilton; partly demolished after completion of the new parish church of SS Mary & Nicholas in 1845. The chancel and sanctuary were walled up to form a small chapel: the nave was very largely ruinated. In 1938-9, under the leadership of the then Rector and Miss Edith Oliver the old chancel was furnished and restored: this was undertaken as a memorial to Robert Bingham (consecrated Bishop of Salisbury in 1229; his statue stands in the niche above the west door) and his collateral descendant of the same name, who had been the American Ambassador to this country, 1933-37.
Exterior Description
The present building consists of the chancel and sanctuary of the former parish church of St. Mary: the south arcade (of three bays) and much of the west wall of the original Perpendicular nave still stand, including the west window arch. The walls of the building are of finely dressed stone - except for the former openings on the north and south sides (towards the west of the existing building) which have been blocked with coursed rubble stone. These openings presumably once led to the north and south chancel chapels, as there seems to be no evidence that there were transepts and a crossing space at this point.
Building Fabric and Features
Stained Glass
The east window has three wide lancets containing a Crucifixion and two shields-of-arms from a 19th century window which have been re-set in clear glass.
Stained Glass
North—west window by Harry Stammers of York, depicting St. Monica & St. Augustine and St. Edith of Wilton.
Building Materials
Stone
Interior
Interior Description
The walls are plastered internally. The two west windows on either side of the door, are square-headed with Perpendicular tracery and hood moulds; above, in the centre of the gable, is a modern statue of Bishop Bingham. The west door itself is modern. The chancel floor is partly paved with old ledger slabs; there are two steps to the sanctuary, the upper forming a footpace and paved with marble. The north and south walls of the sanctuary are covered with a most interesting series of monuments - 17th, 18th and 19th century.
Fixtures and fittings
Credence
17th Century
Small. On north side of altar.
Rail
Modern, but in 18th century idiom.
Churchyard
Grid reference: SU 97 312
Burial and War Grave Information
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | N/A |
| Solar Thermal Panels | N/A |
| Biomass | N/A |
| Wind Turbine | N/A |
| Air Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ev Charging | N/A |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
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