Westwood: St Mary the Virgin, Bradford on Avon

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The church and neighbouring Manor House (NT) date back to the late 12th century. The nave was built in the 15th century in the perpendicular style, followed by the tower and chapel on the North side some 50 - 70 years later. The distinctive tower with its beautifully carved cupola can be seen from miles around. Similar to other churches in Wiltshire and Somerset it was probably built by the same group of masons. Its upper parts are richly decorated and grotesque gargoyles adorn the tower. Unlike others, the tower here has a spiral staircase that leads to the belfry, which hosts a peal of six bells.
The interior has some unique items worthy of note. The medieval glass of the chancel, believed to be 15th century, is a beautiful and striking feature. The panel of the East window depicting the Incarnation of Christ, is unusually symbolised by lilies and his crucifixion. The symbolism of lilies is exclusively English and it is believed that only seven instances exist. The angels holding shields bearing symbols of the Passion in the side panels of the East window and most of the glass in the lancet windows are believed to be of the same date.
The nave was rebuilt in the late 18th century and holds only a little of the original glass, although the circular crucifixion scene on the lancet window on the North side is believed to be by a 16th century Flemish artist.
The font is early 13th century and has an elaborately carved 16th century oak cover, a replica of the cupola on the turret of the tower. Above the font on the West wall is a carved winged demon which dates to the early 16th century. He is known as either "the old lad of Westwood" or "the devil of Limpley Stoke" and is gnashing his teeth at every new child baptised. Underneath is a faint inscription which reads "Resist me and I will flee".

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Directions to Westwood: St Mary the Virgin, Bradford on Avon, BA15 2AF

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Rev. Ron Lowrie
The Rectory
Farleigh Lane
Lower Westwood
Bradford on Avon
Wilts BA15 2AF
Tel: (01225) 863109
  • Special Events
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Family Service
A Family Service for Mothering Sunday.
Sunday 18th March 2012 at 11:00 AM
Family Friendly
 
Printer friendly list of events

Sunday

Family Service
Half hour service aimed at families with children.
Sunday 4th September, preacher Archdeacon of Wiltshire, Ven. John Wraw. every first Sunday at 11:00 AM for 35 minutes
Family Friendly Coffee
Parish Communion
Every second and fourth Sunday at 11:00 AM
Common Worship
Morning Prayer (BCP)
Followed by BCP Holy Communion.
Every third Sunday at 11:00 AM
Book of Common Prayer
Holy Communion (BCP)
Follows Morning Prayer
Every third Sunday at 11:50 AM for 20 minutes
Book of Common Prayer
Evensong (BCP)
Every third Sunday at 6:00 PM for 50 minutes
Book of Common Prayer

Wednesday

Coffee Morning
A drop-in Coffee Morning for the whole community in the Parish Room.
Every first Wednesday at 10:30 AM for 1½ hours
Family Friendly Coffee
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Holy Communion
Holy Communion for Ash Wednesday.
Wednesday 22nd February 2012 at 10:00 AM
Common Worship
Sunday School Bell Ringing Regular Book of Common Prayer Services Grade 1 Listed Building Conservation Area Tower Stained glass Guidebooks / notes Church Open Hearing / Induction Loop Visitor Parking Available
Bookings

Visit our Church

The church is open when Westwood Manor (NT) is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday afternoons between April and September

Nurture Courses

 
Other information
The Revd Ronald Malcolm LOWRIE
The Rectory
Westwood
Bradford-on-Avon
(01225) 863109 ?or< 867040
A Church Near You ID: 9666
Archdeaconry: WILTS (344)
Deanery: BRADFORD (34402)
Benefice: Westwood and Wingfield (34/371AM)
Parish Legal Name: Westwood (340521 34/521)
CofE Church Info: (634521 34/521)
Short URL: acny.co.uk/9666/
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Westwood: St Mary the Virgin : Farleigh Lane, Lower Westwood, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 2AF
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