(Ramsbury, Wiltshire, the Church of the Holy Cross, memorial garden, from the street)
To the east of Wiltshire, nudging against the boundaries of Berkshire sits Ramsbury (the fortified area of Raven, to give the town its Anglo Saxon form). Indeed the existence of fortifications are hinted at in later accounts of the village with the then street names referring to the castle walls and the castle itself. However substantial fires (1648, 1781 and 1862 ) and subsequent rebuilding means the latter-day visitor or historian has scant chance to do other than guess at its existence or location.
But there is no doubt that Ramsbury was an important settlement prior to the Norman conquest, with evidence of an extensive iron smelting industry from the 9'th century. Here settled the Saxon bishopric of Wiltshire and Berkshire, created in 909 and the predecessor to the later see of Salisbury. Even after the seat moved to Salisbury (1058) the church retained, through most of the Middle Ages, the manor and estates, it is to this connection we owe the substantial church of 'Holy Cross'.
(Ramsbury, Wiltshire, the Church of the Holy Cross, from the North East)
Though undoubtedly the site of a Saxon church, the earliest part of the current church is the 13'th century chancel, now notable in part for its slightly lopsided appearance. The nave itself dates from the 13'th century but was subsequently rebuilt in the 14'th century (when the tower was built), alterations continued in the 17'th and 18'th centuries when galleries were added and the shape of the roof amended. The 19'th century restoration saw the aisle walls rebuilt. The detailed history of the church is documented in a substantial book available for both reference and purchase at the church.
(Ramsbury, Wiltshire, the Church of the Holy Cross, nave)
(Ramsbury, Wiltshire, the Church of the Holy Cross, crossing and chancel arch)
(Ramsbury, Wiltshire, the Church of the Holy Cross, Chancel)
Whatever the details, the antiquarian will find plenty of interest in this substantial, characterful and well kept church. Photographed in September 2010 for theChurchPhotographer, this church is usually open.
