Church of St. Mary, Hullavington

The church in Hullavington and the church in Surrendell followed the path of the manor house in being passed from the Mortimer family to the abbey St Victor-en-Caux in the early 12th century and later to the Crown and then Eton College in 1443. A vicarage was ordained by 1240 and possibly before this the churches were run by the abbey's monks.

Hullavington church was known as St Mary Magdalene's from 1408 but was latterly dedicated to St Mary (the virgin) from 1763. The nave and chancel are 12th century, the adjoining chapel and porch 13th century and the original tower was built in the 14th century. However, during 1871-2 the church underwent major redesigning by A W Bloomfield and the tower was replaced and many areas of the church restored. In 1917 its 14th and 15th century wooden screen was removed (a new screen was later erected in honour of the men of Hullavington who died in WW1). Despite these modifications, the 15th century benchends can still be seen today along with one of the original 13th century windows (north aisle, west window). A 15th century detailed piece of embroidery thought to have once formed part of a chasuble can also be viewed.

The church also features several 17th and 18th century inscriptions including memorials to members of the Ivye (Ivie) family who held lordship of Hullavington manor during the 16th and 17th centuries. Another interesting inscription tells of the death of a Hullavington woman named Hannah Twinnoy who was killed by a Tiger in Malmesbury in 1703.

A report says that, "She was a servant at the White Lion Inn, where was an Exhibition of Wild Beasts, and amongst the rest a very fierce tyger, which she imprudently took pleasure in teazing, notwithstanding the repeated remonstrance of its keeper. One day, whilst amusing herself with this dangerous diversion, the enraged animal, by extraordinary effort, drew out the staple, sprang towards the unhappy Girl, caught hold of her gown, and tore her to pieces".

Church registers began in 1557 but possibly feature some omissions throughout the 1600s.Other than those in Current use they are held at the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre. The church is still an important feature of the community of Hullavington today.