Church of St Peter and St Paul, Heytesbury facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Peter and St Paul, Heytesbury
Church of St Peter and St Paul
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OS grid reference	ST925426
Location	Heytesbury, Wiltshire
Country	England
Denomination	Anglican
History
Status	Parish church
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Years built	13th century, restored 1864-7
Administration
Parish	Heytesbury with Tytherington and Knook
Deanery	Heytesbury
Archdeaconry	Sarum
Diocese	Salisbury
Province	Canterbury

The Church of St Peter and St Paul, Heytesbury is a very old church in Heytesbury, Wiltshire, England. It is a Church of England parish church, meaning it serves the local community. The church also serves the nearby villages of Tytherington and Knook. For a long time, from the 12th century until 1840, it was a special type of church called a collegiate church. Most of the building you see today was built in the 13th century. It is considered a very important historical building, listed as Grade I.

The Church's Story

A church in Heytesbury was first mentioned in a very old book called the Domesday Book in 1086. Around 1115, King Henry I gave this church to Salisbury Cathedral. This gift helped create a "prebend," which was a special income for a church official. Soon after, the church became a "collegiate church." This meant it had a group of priests, called canons, who worked together. The main canon was also in charge of the prebend at the cathedral.

Between 1150 and 1160, a bishop named Josceline set up four canons at Heytesbury. They received income from different places, including tithes (a type of tax) from Tytherington and Horningsham. They also got money from the churches of Hill Deverill and Swallowcliffe, and land near Wilton.

Around 1220, the head of Heytesbury church also became the Dean of Salisbury. This meant the Dean of Salisbury was also the Dean of Heytesbury. Many collegiate churches were closed in 1547 during the English Reformation. However, Heytesbury continued until 1840, when a new law closed the remaining ones.

What the Church Looks Like

This large church has a shape like a cross, which is called "cruciform." Most of it was built in the 13th century. You can still see a small part from an even earlier time, the late 12th century. This is a pillar in the north aisle with a special carved top.

The low tower in the middle of the church was finished in the 14th century. In the mid-15th century, a row of windows high up on the walls, called a clerestory, was added.

The south chapel, built around 1316, is named after St Catherine. In the north transept (one of the "arms" of the cross shape), a chapel was started by Walter Hungerford in 1421. A stone screen from the 16th century is still there.

The tower has six bells. The largest bell is from about 1460. Two other bells are from the 17th century, and two more are from the 18th century.

The vestry (where priests prepare) and the south porch (the entrance) were added in the 19th century. The church was greatly repaired and updated between 1864 and 1867. This work was done by an architect named William Butterfield. He rebuilt parts of the church, added a colorful marble font, new pews, and a tiled floor. He also added beautiful stained glass windows.

One expert, Pevsner, thought the repairs made the church look better from far away than up close. He also felt the inside was a bit disappointing, even though it was grand. However, he did like the stained glass windows, saying they had nice pale colors and good leading.

The church organ was put in place in 1854. It was moved from another church in London. During Butterfield's repairs, the organ was taken apart and then put back together in a new spot in 1867.

Because of its history and architecture, the church was officially recognized as a Grade I listed building in 1968. This means it is a building of exceptional interest.

The Church Community

In the past, other churches and chapels in nearby villages were connected to Heytesbury church. These included places like Tytherington, Knook, Hill Deverill, Horningsham, and even Swallowcliffe, which is about 10 miles (16 km) away.

In 1885, the churches of Heytesbury, Tytherington, and Knook officially joined together. This union was confirmed again in 1970. Later, in 1976, the parishes of Sutton Veny and Norton Bavant were also added.

Since 2000, the church has been part of the Upper Wylye Valley team of churches. This team works together to serve the local area. The records of the church, like birth and marriage information, go back to 1653. They are kept safe at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre in Chippenham.