Church of St. John, Charlton, Donhead St. Mary

The old chapel at Charlton proved too small for the growing congregation and a new site was found on the A30 at a crossroads to make it more accessible to worshippers from Ludwell and the Coombes. £1765 was raised through public subscription. Mr Graves of Charlton House gave a substantial sum and had quite a say in its building.

This church was built c.1839 and was dedicated to St. John the Apostle. William Walker designed it in a 12th century style. There is a chancel, nave, west gallery and castellated west façade with north and south towers. Two bells from the old chapel were recast to make a bell for the new church. The east wall contains a central window showing some of the apostles.

A chalice marked 1734 was still in use in the new church in the late 20th century.

Income in the years 1882-1901 was used for the Sunday school and on repairs. Repairs were also made in 1948.

The church was modernised in the 1960s when new under floor heating was put in. The organ was moved from the east end to the balcony. The church was heated by a new gas heating system in the 21st century.