Friends of Romsey Abbey take tour Wiltshire churches

Travelling by minibus, the group of 16 were taken by their guide Brian Woodruffe to the Italianate church in Wilton, then four mediaeval churches in the Wiltshire Downs.

Their first call was an hour spent at the Grade 1 listed church of St Mary and St Nicholas at Wilton.

READ MORE: Hampshire group enjoys tour around renowned jigsaw manufacturer

The Friends of Romsey Abbey (Image: Friends of Romsey Abbey)

It was opened in 1845, thanks to donations from Countess Yekaterina Semyonova Vorontsova, a Russian noblewoman who married the 11th Earl of Pembroke (of Wilton House). Her husband died in 1827 and she funded the construction of the edifice in his memory, replacing an earlier church in the town centre. Built with local Chilmark limestone, it resembles many of the churches of Tuscany, with a 33-metre high campanile, richly coloured mosaics and imported stained glass.

The group then continued on to see the outside of Dinton Church, a typical cruciform church with chancel nave, two transepts and a central tower, before calling briefly at the tiny Baverstock church with its modern stained glass window.

After lunch at the Barford Inn their day was completed with visits to the churches at Broad Chalke (with the grave of Sir Cecil Beaton) and Bishopstone. Both these churches date from around the 13th century and display many features both from those times and later.

SEE ALSO: Tory leader candidate attends Romsey Conservatives annual barbeque event

The group said that Brian’s insights into the architecture and history of churches was highly illuminating, and that his knowledge of stained glass windows and monuments enhanced the visits.

The stories about past clergy and architects added a further gloss to what was a fascinating tour of some beautiful local churches.

For more information about the Friends of Romsey Abbey and what they do, visit romseyabbeyfriends.org or email office@romseyabbeyfriends.org.