(East Grafton, Church of St Nicholas, Wiltshire, From South West)
St Nicholas's church at East Grafton is a relatively late addition to the family of Wiltshire Churches, though East Grafton itself boasted a medieval chapel which fell out of use in the 17'th century. The parishioners after that date having to make use of the church in Great Bedwyn, a tidy step away from the hamlets of Grafton.
Early in 1842 the residents of the local area petitioned the Bishop of Salisbury for a new church in East Grafton. And as result the notable victorian architect Benjamin Ferrey was commissioned to produce the design. Benjamin Ferrey is justifiably regarded as one of the 'greats' of victorian architecture, being influential in the professions bodies and associated with many church buildings.
(East Grafton, the church of St Nicholas, nave)
(East Grafton, the church of St Nicholas, apsidal form chancel)
The design for East Grafton being produced comparatively early in his career (at the age of 32) is an unusual Romanesque style, perhaps more pleasing from inside than as a landscape feature. The church was completed in 1844.
The internal form is of a high 3 bayed nave with apsidal (rounded) chancel, there is vestigial crossing with the organ situated in the south 'transept'. Plain but with a great quality to the light and space, there is decoration on the chancel walls and the chancel boasts a fine set of windows which contribute significantly to the quality of the light. The church is obviously appreciated by its community.
The church sits in a roughly flat and rectangular graveyard, which is well kept, to the east side of the village green. It is normally open.
(East Grafton, Wiltshire, St Nicholas, from North East)
Photographed in September 2010, for theChurchPhotographer by Nick Temple-Fry.
