History of St Mary’s, Alvediston, Wiltshire  

St Mary’s Church

Approached through a field and set above the northern banks of the Ebble winterbourne, St Mary’s overlooks pastureland surrounding the small village of Alvediston. On the southern edge of the churchyard lies the tomb of The Rt Hon. Earl of Avon KG PC MC, formerly Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden, who retired to Alvediston in 1966 and died here in 1977.

The font and nave of St Mary’s are originally 12th century, the chancel was added in the 13th century, the transepts in the C14th, and the tower in the 17th century. Two of our three bells are dated 1630 and 1640 respectively, which would suggest the tower work was done in the early years of that century. In the 19th century extensive work was done to the church, under the auspices of the diocesan architect T.H. Wyatt, who was also responsible for the Italianate church in Wilton.

The ‘crusader’ tomb, thought to be that of John Gawen and complete with little dog at his feet, is found in the south transept, as are fine marbles, one by Rysbrack, to the Wyndham family. Brass memorials to members of the Quaker Fry family are visible in the north chapel. 

In 2008 a bas relief of Lord Avon by the distinguished sculptor Martin Jennings was commissioned, installed on the north wall near the tower, and unveiled by Clarissa, Countess of Avon, in September of that year. Among much other work, Jennings is famous for monuments to John Betjeman at St Pancras, Philip Larkin in Hull, Mary Seacole at St Thomas’ Hospital, ‘Women of Steel’ in Sheffield and George Orwell at Broadcasting House.

The glorious West Window in the tower, above the 12th century font, and depicting The Sermon on the Mount, was made in the 1880s by the renowned Covent Garden stained glass specialists, Lavers, Barraud and Westlake.

Over nine centuries St Mary’s has been built, rebuilt, added to and altered, with prominent local families choosing to be buried and memorialised in this special spot. Now it is our turn to complete the work started in 2008, and make the church fit for the next century.