Chirton in Wiltshire, once known as Cherington (the farm by the church) had a church back into Saxon times, though the current structure of St John the Baptist is Norman it is likely to be on the site of this early Christian structure.
(Chirton, Wiltshire, the church of St John the Baptist from the South)
Another of the the strip parishes reaching up from the youthful Avon onto the escarpment of Salisbury Plain, Chirton and the hamlet of Conock (the hill) was for a long time one of the more prosperous communities in this part of Wiltshire, with a relatively substantial area of arable land as well as access to grazing for sheep on the northern edges of Salisbury Plain.
The current church of St John the Baptist was completed and dedicated in 1170 (the year of the death of Thomas 'a' Beckett). The prosperity of the area is reflected in the form of the church, consisting from building of a nave, chancel and both North and South Aisles. Both aisles were later widened in the 14'th century, with the ornate South doorway being re-set in the new wall. The 15'th century saw the addition of the porch and the tower.
(Chirton, the church of St John the Baptist, nave and font)
(Chirton, the church of St John the Baptist, North aisle and organ)
Thus this early church survived relatively unchanged into the 19'th century. Restoration by James Dutch in 1850 added the vestry but removed many of the earlier decorations and details. Around this time the stained glass was installed in the restored windows, adding much to the current appearance and character of the church. It must be not be assumed that the restoration has left the church denuded of details, the early Norman font with its apostle carvings, the fine roof remaining its Norman form, the nave arches and pillars, all speak to the visitor of this churches long heritage. All make this a church well worth the time taken to explore.
Sitting on the main street of the village, the church has a large and well kept graveyard surrounded by mature trees. As you walk up the impressive cobbled path to the Church door everything tells you that the visitor or local has a treat waiting.
(Chirton, the church of St John the Baptist from the North)
Photographed in August 2010 for theChurchPhotographer by Nick Temple-Fry. This church is normally open.
