All Saints' Church, Waterhay, Leigh

The current church at Swan Lane was built in 1896, replacing a much earlier church at Waterhay, to the north of the parish. The chancel is the only piece of the church remaining on the original site at Waterhay; it now sits on its own as the majority of the original church was taken to Swan Lane to re-build as the new church. It is Grade II * listed.

The first church is thought to date from the 13th century - perhaps 1250 - and there was building and reconstruction in 1370 (when a south porch was built) and 1450. Further renovation took place in the 18th century; the church was re-plastered and re-painted, a gallery was built in 1717 and the chancel rebuilt in 1720. The vicar at Ashton Keynes preached at the Leigh in the 16th century. By the late 17th century the vicar for Ashton Keynes (and the Leigh) lived at Cricklade.

The chancel, as it stands today, has not simply been abandoned, but is still cared for. In 1898 a bell was hung in the chancel and in 1975 the roof was repaired. In 1978 it came under the care of the Redundant Churches Commission and walls were plastered and seven 18th century texts within cartouches were restored in 1983. Services are still held on every fourth Sunday in July.

Additional sites of interest for this church*

Churches Conservation Trust  (aded 2022)

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