Wilcot – the cottages by the stream – is first mentioned in a charter in 940 AD, the parish has evidence of Romano-British settlements and was near the site of a 1'st century pottery industry. The first recorded church was built in 1086.
Nestling against the Great House and surrounded by mature trees Wilcot Holy Cross sits on a picturesque but constrained site. Its close relation to the manor has been both to the churches benefit and its downfall. For having enjoyed an extensive renovation in the first half of the 19'th century in 1876 a stray spark from the chimneys of the hall set fire to the church which was gutted, leaving just the walls and the tower.
Much of the form of the current church is owed to the rebuilding of 1876. The chancel was again remodelled (having last been rebuilt in the 1830s) and the nave lost its north doorway, previous alteration having already raised its roof line.
Before the establishment of the Holy Trinity church at Oare this was that villages parish church as well. Following a 'Swing Riot' burning of crops (for which a local man was subsequently hung) the incumbent preached a sermon condemning the riots entitled 'Satan's Workshop'.
This church is normally open.
