Church of All Saints, Christian Malford

Built in the 13th century, the parish Church of All Saints is the main church in the village and can be seen for miles around, due to its large tower. The church was built around 1243 with funds raised by the villagers and with the help of the first recorded rector, Robert Bremleigh. Constructed from ashlar and rubble stone with stone slate roofs and coped gables, the church is a prominent building in the community with services still held every week. The building is situated in the heart of the village and is now Grade 1 listed.

In 1716 the parish agreed to have the church restored. The buttresses are dated 1721 which hints to this restoration and the tower is similar to the church in Kington St. Michael, built in 1725. That same year on the 19th of April the villagers voted for 10 shillings to be paid to Ambrose Pullen, the priest at the time, to hang bells in the tower.

There were other extensions to the church; in the 14th century the Lady Chapel was built and also at the same time the gallery was added, subsequently being removed in 1860. The church was also restored 12 years later (1872) with a new pulpit, reading pew and lectern. Two new windows were also added to the chancel. The architect, paid with money given by the parishioners, was Evan Christian, a local architect. There is also a record of the parish purchasing a new organ on July 21st 1839.

The church has had its dramas; one such example occurred under the first parson, Rector Robert Bremleigh. The parson had a dispute with the Abbott of Glastonbury as he was accused of overstocking his pasture. Rector Robert argued his case; that he and the Abbott had equal rights to the common and lost. Consequently he was forced to give up 4 oxen, 2 cows, 3 pig, 1 heifer and 12 sheep to the Abbott. As well as this the church property was probably granted to one of the Danvers family as John Danvers held the estate.

The church tower was also used by the Home Guard during World War Two, due to its height and tactical position overlooking the River Avon, to keep watch.

The parish registers from 1653, other than those in current use, are held in the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre at Chippenham. An earlier register was destroyed in a fire in the 17th century.