St Peter's church, Manningford Bruce, described by John Chandler in his excellent series Wiltshire – a history of it's landscape and people, as 'one of the purest and most charming of Norman churches'. From an archaeological point of view one may wonder how much of the original structure survived its renovation in the 19'th century, but the point is well made as this is a simple structure unencumbered by the years of elaboration borne by its contemporaries.
But do not imagine that lack of elaboration necessarily equates to a lack of interest or charm. With the purity of its flint walling, the charm of the semi-circular chancel, the fine decoration on the chancel walls and the reredo behind the altar one can find much to appreciate.
The church sits in a small graveyard in this scattered community, partly surrounded by mature trees. It is normally open.
Photographed in June 2010 for theChurchPhotographer by Nick Temple-Fry.
