St Denys' Church, Warminster facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Denys', Warminster
The Minster Church of St Denys
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OS grid reference	ST869455
Location	Church Street, Warminster, Wiltshire
Country	England
Denomination	Anglican
History
Status	Parish church
Dedication	Saint Denis of Paris
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Style	Perpendicular
Years built	14th century (rebuilt), 1887–9 (restored)
Administration
Parish	Warminster Saint Denys
Deanery	Heytesbury
Archdeaconry	Sarum
Diocese	Salisbury
Province	Canterbury

St Denys' Church, also known as the Minster Church of St Denys, is a very old Church of England church in Warminster, England. It is the oldest church in the town. The church's history goes back to the 11th century (the 1000s). It was rebuilt in the 14th century (the 1300s) and then restored in the 19th century (the 1800s). Today, it is a special building with a Grade II* listed status, meaning it is very important historically and architecturally.

A Look at the Church's History

Even though a church wasn't specifically mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book, the name Warminster was used in the early 900s. This suggests there was an Anglo-Saxon minster church here. A minster was an important church that served a large area. By the 12th century, the church was named after Saint Denis of Paris.

How the Church Was Built

The church is located in the northwest part of Warminster. It is built from limestone and has a cruciform shape, which means it looks like a cross from above. The oldest parts of the church, from the 11th century, are found in the middle section and at the bottom of the tower.

In the 14th century, the church was largely rebuilt or changed a lot. In the 15th century, a small chapel was added on the south side for the Maudit family. The church has a low tower in the center with two small stair towers. The main part of the church, called the nave, was rebuilt in 1723–4.

Victorian Restoration

From 1887 to 1889, the church had a big restoration project led by Sir Arthur Blomfield. During this time, the nave was rebuilt again, making it longer. It was designed in the Perpendicular style, which was popular for churches. This style often features tall windows.

Because of these changes, only the tower, the south wall of the chancel (the area around the altar), and the south porch remain from the earlier church.

In 1881, the church's bells were updated. The number of bells increased from six to eight. All of them were remade except for one, which dates back to 1737. The bells were refurbished and rehung in 2019.

The church was officially recognized as a Grade II* listed building in 1952.

Inside St Denys' Church

When you step inside, one of the first things you might notice is the organ. It was put in the church in 1792. This organ was originally built for Salisbury Cathedral by G. P. England, but it wasn't powerful enough for the large cathedral. The organ case, which is the decorative wooden cover, is described as "a delightful piece" by the famous architectural historian Pevsner.

Beautiful Decorations and Art

Historic England, an organization that protects historic buildings, notes that the Victorian restoration made the inside of the church "exceptionally elegant." This was done following High Church principles, which means there was a focus on beautiful decorations and detailed fittings.

The chancel area has many special features. These include a reredos (a decorated screen behind the altar) and choir stalls made by the company of Harry Hems. There are also metal screens and gates, and decorative tiles by William Godwin. Harry Hems also created the benches in the nave and the octagonal (eight-sided) pulpit, which has marble designs.

The church also has many beautiful stained glass windows from the 19th century. Some of these were made by famous artists and companies like Burlison and Grylls, Henry Holiday, and Clayton & Bell. A newer window, from 1950, in the south aisle was created by Christopher Webb.

Important Leaders of the Church

Over the years, several important vicars (church leaders) have served at St Denys' Church.

William Dalby (1825–1841)

William Dalby held church services at the workhouse for people living in Warminster Common. He also helped start the building of Christ Church in that area in 1831.

Arthur Fane (1841–1859)

Arthur Fane was known for being talented and enthusiastic. He started a special school for young people in 1856. He also helped restore St Lawrence's chapel between 1855 and 1856.

Sir James Erasmus Philipps (1859–1897)

During Sir James Erasmus Philipps' time, the number of Sunday services increased to three. About 1,400 people would attend the evening service. He raised the money for the church's restoration in the 1880s. He also helped build St John's Church on the other side of town. He founded St Boniface Missionary College and a group called the Community of St. Denys. This community ran an orphanage and a girls' school.

The Church's Parish

Since at least 1290, the chapel of St Lawrence in the market place has been a chapel-of-ease for St Denys. This means it's a smaller church used for convenience by people who live far from the main parish church. In 1574, the people of Warminster bought the chapel. This made it a non-royal peculiar, which meant it was outside the usual control of the Church of England. Since then, it has been managed by trustees (called feoffees) for the town. They invite the vicar of St Denys' to hold services there.

For a long time, the church at Corsley, about 2.5 miles (4 km) northwest, was also part of Warminster parish. However, by 1415, Corsley parish became fully independent.

As Warminster grew in the 19th century, two more churches were built. Christ Church was built in 1831 for the south of the town. St John's was built in 1865 in the southeast. Christ Church became its own parish in 1863. In 1956, the area around St John's was added to the Bishopstrow parish.

Today, the St Denys parish covers parts of the north and west of Warminster. In 1974, a group ministry was formed to connect all three Warminster churches, along with Bishopstrow and Upton Scudamore. This group is now known as the River Were benefice, though Christ Church is now separate.

Images for kids

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  St Denys' Church in Warminster.