West Lavington was historically one of Wiltshires more prosperous communities and as such All Saints is a substantial church, albeit one much rebuilt over the centuries. The village itself has a straggling form with the church towards its centre. It has been suggested that the form of the village owes much to a fire in 1689 which ravaged the village and the subsequent piecemeal rebuilding. West Lavington was also known as Bishops Lavington on account of the beneficial ownership residing with the Bishop of Salisbury in the middle ages.
(West Lavington, Wilstshire. the Church of All Saints, from the South)
(West Lavington, Wiltshire, the church of All Saints from the NNW)
In more urban areas one could suggest that the church resides on a traffic island, here it can be noted that the roughly triangular shape of the graveyard is defined by roads on all sides. It is believed that a Saxon church stood on this site, but of the surviving structure the earliest extant portion is the 12'th century North Arcade.
(West Lavington,Wiltshire, the church of All Saints, nave and North arcade)
(West Lavington, Wiltshire, the church of All Saints, Dauntsey Chapel in South transept)
The nave and tower dates from the 13'th century, though with much rebuilding over the subsequent years. In the 16'th century the south transept was converted to the Dauntsey chapel with its ornate monuments. Also at this time another chapel (the Beckett) was added to the South side of the chancel, unusually accessed either from the chancel itself or via a dog-leg door from the corner of the Dauntsey chapel.
(West Lavington,Wiltshire, the Church of All Saints, chancel, chancel arch and east window)
(West Lavington, Wiltshire, the church of All Saints, Beckett chapel)
The church has a history of falling into disrepair over the years and by 1847 was again in need of restoration, It was again substantially restored with much new stonework. In 2001 an etched east window (by Simon Whistler) was installed.
This is a pleasant structure with a loving atmosphere inside and many interesting details to repay the visitor who takes the time to explore. The graveyard is well kept.
Photographed in August 2010 for theChurchPhotographer by Nick Temple-Fry, this church is usually open.
