Bishops Canning, whose inhabitants “Would have challenged all England for musique, foot-ball and ringing” according to that 17'th traveller and diarist John Aubrey, boasts a fine church whose grandeur would seem at odds with its location. But this was always an important parish, linked to the Bishopric of Salisbury. Indeed its form is more that of a pocket sized cathedral than a typical country church.
In a landscape rich in history, whether early settlements, the grandeur of the Wansdyke, the skirmishes of the English Civil war, or more recent pill box defences from the 1940's. Is set a rich parish, formerly well endowed with land and rents, which in 1660 yielded an income of £738 7s and 9d. Those with an active mind will find will find plenty of entertainment and intrigue amidst these narrow country lanes.
The church of St Mary the Virgin, with its impressive spire, is easily seen from the surrounding countryside. On the site of a Saxon church the current structure dates from the 12'th century, enlarged and with a tower in the 13'th century. The impressive spire was added to the tower in the 15'th century. Of the adjacent small spire cap to the stairway local legend suggests that the builders once coated it in manure, to no apparent result, in the hope that it too would grow.
Inside there is plenty of character, with a wide bayed nave and an impressive chancel. This church had in 1593 one of the first church organs and a peel of 8 bells was installed in 1602. In the South transept, opposite the current organ, is a 15'th century penitential seat, complete with the 'hand of god' and a warning to the sinner.
This church is set in a substantial well kept graveyard and is normally open.
