The Church of St Margaret of Antioch at Yatton Keynell sits just off the main road through this village. Best identified to the traveller by spotting the village shop, the church resides on the junction adjacent to it. Here we are thrown back in history to the time of the crusades, Sir William Keynell built the church in 1250 and dedicated it to St Margaret of Antioch in thanks for his safe return from 'the holy land'. Lest history appears too dry to the casual viewer it's worth recalling the resonance the crusades hold for many of the participants in to days troubles in the middle east, grievance finds a long memory for its justification and we should walk carefully in a world littered with old disputes.
A peaceful village adjacent to Castle Comb, Yatton Keynell was known at the time of the doomsday book as Getone, its current name dates from the 13'th century when another member of the Keynell family gifted land to a local abbey.
St Margaret of Antioch (or Antioc) an early Christian Martyr, known for refusing the advances of a local roman governor and for being swallowed by a dragon (the devil, her cross held aloft irritated its throat causing her to be disgorged) she was put to death proclaiming her faith. Despite being held apocryphal as early as the 5'th century she remained a popular Christian saint in both the Catholic and Eastern orthodox faiths. She was a particular favourite of crusaders, and this virgin is the patron saint of childbirth.
The Church which was restored and enlarged in the 15'th century enjoys a finely detailed interior with a carved stone screen. The tower, again 15'th century, is relatively unusual with a panelled finish to its upper level. Like many churches the building was restored in the 19'th century and its current fine appearance must owe a significant debt to its restorer G. E Street.
This Wiltshire church sits in a small well kept graveyard of irregular shape, screened by mature trees. The church is normally open to visitors on weekdays. Photographed in June 2010 for theChurchPhotographer by Nick Temple-Fry.
