The Grade II listed parish church of All Saints sits in an elevated position at the edge of the village of Sutton Mandeville, with commanding views over the Nadder Valley and is reached by a public footpath a short distance from the main thoroughfare through the village.
The church was built around 1220 AD thus predating Salisbury Cathedral, and it retains its early English Gothic style.
The three-stage west tower was added in the 15th century and houses three bells: one (possibly) dated 1399, the others cast by John Wallis, in 1615 and 1616.
In the churchyard is a rare late 17th-century ball top sundial, with the date 1685 carved on one side.
The three-bay chancel has a deep arch-braced roof on stone corbels, partly concealed by plaster and was restored in 1850.
There was further restoration in 1862, at which point a North aisle and transept were added.
A late 19thC stained glass window in the east wall depicts the Crucifixion and Resurrection. A window on the south side of the nave has portraits of Sarah and Nora Walter, who died 1890 and 1935 respectively.
Further information: Historic England
Local History
Although Sutton Mandeville was and remains a small rural settlement, its history shows that it was not untouched by turbulent national events exemplified by the lives of two of its Rectors. The large Chronological chart in Italic calligraphy on the West wall lists all the Rectors in the context of reigns and historical occurrences.
Apart from Johannes Colyns who was executed in 1538 for obstinate adherence to Rome, the most notorious incumbent was Thomas Rosewell (1657), who after the restoration of Charles ll and the passing of the Act of Uniformity refused to conform, and was ejected from the parish. Although he was convicted of treason by Judge Jefferies and condemned to death, he was subsequently pardoned by the King, a closet Catholic, who tried to steer a middle course between Puritanism and Popery.
A visit to the church for its beauty, site and history will be well rewarded.
Weddings & Services
The marriage of Mima Walker to Joe Shuttleworth took place in June 2022 at All Saints Church (see video below), showing what a beautiful location Sutton Mandeville church provides.
We hold services twice a month - the first Sunday is Evensong at 6pm - a beautiful service with well-known hymns, and the second Sunday of the month at 9.30am we have Parish Communion, where all are welcome - you do not have to be a communicant to attend.
Special Services:
Sunday 13 November 2022
10.50 am Joint Remembrance Service at Fovant
Sunday 11 December 2022
9.30 am Parish Communion at All Saints when the Bishop of Salisbury will be preaching - all welcome to attend and meet him.
Sunday 19 March 2023
4.00 pm All Age Service aimed at younger families - fun and informative.
The church is open at all times for reflection and a period of quiet to appreciate the hundreds of years that it has served the parish.
Further information:
Contact Jack Deverell (Churchwarden) on 01722 714898
The Cemetery looking much improved after the removal of a line of conifers a few years ago, and replaced by a beech hedge. John Gailey kindly mows it several times a season, and Jack Deverell has strimmed the graves. This work is done voluntarily and if anyone felt like joining the team they would be very much appreciated.
The woodland walk behind the allotments are a delight any time of the year, but particularly cool and refreshing in the summer heat.
Volunteers needed:
Latest PCC report(s) on church services & finance:
Fundraising (Monthly Church Draw):
The Church Draw is an important source of income for All Saints Church. The money raised makes a much needed contribution towards funding the ongoing general maintenance of the church.
You can support the church draw by taking out a subscription. The price is: £24 per number for the year (£2 per month) and the prizes are: 1st £40, 2nd £20 and 3rd £10. Payment can be made by cheque or online.
The last social (fundraising) event on the church calendar was the Parish Lunch held on Sunday 14 Aug 2022 at Keepers Cottage, the only place to be on that day.
Kestrel in residence in the belfry, April 2022 (click to enlarge)
Credit: S. Stapleton