All Saints Church, Marden

The first reference to a church in the parish is in 1205, when it was granted by the King to John de Wells. It was possibly included in the royal grant of the manor to Gilbert Basset in 1229. The grant descended to Philip Basset, who granted it to Bradenstoke Priory between the years of 1259-67. The advowson was transferred to the Chapter of Bristol Cathedral in 1542, and remained so until the 20th century. In 1923 the vicarage was united with that of Chirton, and in 1951 was held together with Patney, and all three livings were combined in 1963 as the United Benefice of Chirton with Marden and Patney.

Dedicated to All Saints, and standing to the north west of Marden Street, the church is built of sarsen rubble with freestone dressings. It consists of a chancel and a nave, with south porch and west tower. The 12th century nave has an elaborately decorated chancel arch and south doorway, which was possibly enlarged in the 14th century, as windows date from this period. The perpendicular tower is of freestone, with diagonal buttresses with pinnacles at offsets and the belfry windows have ogee hood moulds. It is connected to the nave by a tall tower arch. In 1556 the church was said to be in a bad state of repair. Extensive repairs and alterations were undertaken to repair structural faults which were said to have been caused by poor foundations. Possibly in 1617, the upper stage of the tower, around seven feet, was removed and the nave largely re-built.

Included in the re-build were new windows, and a timber framed porch was added to the south doorway. In 1885, C.E. Ponting directed the re-building of the tower, which was also increased to the original height. This cost £700. Around this time the east wall was re-built and a window was added, built in the 14th century style. A stone porch replaced the earlier wooden framed porch. The octagonal font possibly dates from the 13th century. The early 17th century pulpit retains the original blackboard and teste. Royal Arms dated 1772 hang above the chancel arch. The north-west nave window was designed and made by Mr. and Mrs, J.W. Kettlewell and depicts St. Peter and St. Paul. In 1553 the church had 3 bells. In mid-20th century there was a peal of 5. The third was cast in Warminster by John Lott. The treble, tenor and fourth all date from the 18th century, cast by local founders. The second was added in 1886.

A chalice was retained for the church in 1553. A further chalice was donated by Rev. Francis Simpson in 1812 and the same year a paten was given by John Young. A silver gilt flagon was presented by the Rev. James Bliss around 1844. Registers of baptism date from 1685, burials from 1687 and marriages, with the exception of 1750-53, date from 1693.