About Us

The parish of Christ Church is situated on the north eastern edge of Bradford-on-Avon in Wiltshire. The church stands on one of the highest points of the town and its spire is visible for many miles.

The parish is largely residential. Christ Church Primary School (C of E controlled) and the church share a common boundary, the church being used for school services. St Laurence School (secondary) is close by in the neighbouring parish of Holy Trinity.

Christ Church is an open, friendly church and our doors are open every day from 10am to 4pm for all to visit, whether to see our late Victorian east end wall paintings, to pray or just to sit awhile in quiet. Wheelchair access to the church is by our main west door. Our churchyard is now closed to new burials. A folder inside the church on a board near the pulpit steps contains a list of those whose burial plot is known, together with a plan indicating its position.

Our Sunday services follow the following pattern. The first Sunday in the month is a morning benefice Communion service at one of our four churches. The second and third Sundays there are 10.30am Communion services at Christ Church. The fourth Sunday at 10.30am Christ Church has an informal 'Refresh' service which includes led discussions and hymns. Any fifth Sunday will be a joint benefice service at one of the four churches. Our only weekday service at present is at 10.30am on the first Wednesday of the month.

The Ark Baby & Toddler cafe meets weekly on Thursdays in term time, and Open the Book sessions take place in Christ Church Primary School. There are also Bible study house groups, Wives group, and a small group of musicians play for some services. The Mother's Union branch has now amalgamated with the Holy Trinity branch, where they now meet.

The pupils of the large local primary school use the church for their end of term services, concerts, carol services and festivals. Teachers often use the church as a teaching space, and Open the Book and Collective Worship run by the church is a regular part of the school week.

For the last two years we have been planning to (a) install toilets and a kitchen area at the west end of the nave and (b) to restore and conserve the late Victorian wall paintings on the west nave wall, repair the tower clock, and work on parts of the bell frame and the bells. A recently approved grant from English Heritage and our own fundraising means work  will start in early 2023 and is planned for completion in 2025. The church will remain open during this period for both services and visits at any time. We continue to fundraise for the outstanding amount needed for the full project. For fuller information on the project please see the separate page.

The parish is part of the Benefice of North Bradford-on-Avon and Villages, along with the parishes of St. James (South Wraxall), St. Nicholas (Winsley) and St. Peter (Monkton Farleigh).