(Approach to St Bartholomews, Corsham, Wiltshire, showing characteristic town houses)
The church of St Bartholomew in Corsham Wiltshire dates back to the Saxon period. A casual glance up the nave reveals a marked kink in the alignment with the chancel, the Saxons originally built the church about 10 degrees askew of the true east west alignment and when rebuilt by the Normans they re-used the Saxon foundations for the nave, their new chancel was built to the true compass. Evidence of the original Saxon structure can also be noted in the comparative thinness of the nave walls. The Normans pierced the walls to add narrow North and South aisles.
(the nave of St Bartholomews Church, Corsham, showing the 'kink' at the Chancel)
(the sanctuary of St Bartholomews church, showing memorials to the Methuen family)
Later rebuilding in the 13'th century saw the addition of the Lady Chapel. Whilst the 14'th century saw the widening and rebuilding of the aisles. The tower was originally over the crossing, dilapidation and a desire for more space led to it being rebuilt with a spire on the south side of the transept by the Victorians.
(the Lady Chapel, St Bartholomews, Corsham, Wiltshire, seen through the stone screen)
The transept on the North side holds the private memorial chapel of the Methuen family. The recumbent figure in alabaster is that of Eleanor Methuen, the small 'sketching' figure is for her love of art.
(the memorial chapel to the Methuen family, North Transept of St Bartholomews Corsham)
The church sits up a small lane off the North end of the High Street, looking out over the parkland of Corsham House. There is an extensive and mature churchyard.
Photographed in September 2011 for theChurchPhotographer by Nick Temple-Fry. This impressive and well situated church is normally open for visitors.
(St Bartholomews (St Barts) Church at Corsham in Wiltshire, seen from South East)
