(Purton, St Mary, Wiltshire, the church from the west)
Fortuitously located on a hillside the church of St Mary at Purton in Wiltshire well justifies its place amongst England's thousand best churches (as compiled by Simon Jenkins). Approach from the west along a convenient straight road (itself alongside a medieval tithe barn) and you see framed midst the trees the fine tower. Follow that same road as it winds around the church and graveyard, and a glance back over the shoulder shows a massive spire towering above the church crossing. This curiosity alone would mark the church out for note, for only 3 churches in England sport both tower and spire, and none so whole heartedly as Purton.
(Purton, St Mary, Wiltshire, the church from the South East)
But it is inside that perhaps the true treasure of the church can be seen, not content with a fine interior, restoration has revealed surviving medieval wall paintings. The pillars surrounding the nave too give an idea of the riot of colour this church once contained, traces of medieval decoration may be found, though the painting of the arches dates from the victorian restoration.
(Purton, St Mary, Wiltshire, the nave showing decorated arches and wall paintings in south aisle)
(Purton, St Mary, Wiltshire, the chancel and sanctuary)
(Purton, St Mary, Wiltshire, Christ of the trades, wall painting of Christ with tools of trade)
When first there was a church on this site is difficult to judge, certainly the current church replaced an earlier structure. The nave was built towards the end of the 13'th century, the structure being raised in height as part of a rebuilding in the 15'th century. The tower and spire over the crossing dates from the 14'th century. And it is to that 15'th century restoration that we owe the western bell tower.
The chancel retains some medieval features, though the windows are from the rebuilding in the 15'th century. In the reredos behind the altar is a 17'th century painting of the last supper. This painting, stolen from the church in 1994 was recovered in the United States (in a police sting operation) in 2001.
(Purton, St Mary, Wiltshire, altar and rerodos with flemish 17'th painting)
(Purton, St Mary, Wiltshire, The Last Supper by Leslie Holland, which temporarily replaced the stolen picture)
A fine structure, surrounded by a characteristic and crowded graveyard, well repaying the visitor for the time spent in exploring its details. Photographed in September 2011 for theChurchPhotographer by Nick Temple-Fry. This church is usually open.
