St John The Baptist is a Church of England located in the city of Devizes in Wiltshire, England. The church dates back to the 12th century and was founded in response to pagan worship on nearby White Horse Hill. Despite being left mainly untouched by the Victorians, the church boasts rare 14th-century wall paintings depicting figures such as Peter and Paul, as well as stained glass windows, 15th to 17th-century woodwork, and exceptional bench ends, panelling, pulpit and rood screen. Unfortunately, the church had fallen into such disrepair that it was placed on the English Heritage ‘At Risk’ Register and faced closure. The local community came together to save the church, resulting in a restoration project that began in 2015. St John The Baptist is Grade II* Listed.
Located in the city of Devizes in Wiltshire, England, St John The Baptist is a Church of England that dates back to the 12th century. Allegedly founded in response to pagan worship on the nearby White Horse Hill, the church stands as an important cultural and historical landmark in the local community. With unique features and rare attributes, the church offers a glimpse into the past and the historical evolution of religion and faith in the local area.
While many churches underwent extensive renovation and reconstruction during the Victorian era, St John The Baptist remained largely untouched. This lack of modernisation has resulted in a valuable collection of artifacts and unique features that would have otherwise been stripped away during the Victorian period. The church boasts a wide range of historical elements that provide a detailed analysis of the religious practices and traditions of those who attended the church in the past.
One of the most notable aspects of St John The Baptist is the rare 14th-century wall paintings. The paintings depict important religious figures such as Peter and Paul, as well as other notable biblical characters such as Herod and Salomé, with the martyr John The Baptist’s head on a platter. These paintings provide a fantastic example of the influence of religion on art during the 14th-century, and offer a glimpse into what the religious practices of the time were like. Furthermore, the paintings provide a unique historical record of the church’s past and are considered valuable cultural artefacts.
St John The Baptist also features a range of stained glass windows dating back to the medieval period. These windows are extremely rare and offer a reflection of the artistic styles and practices of the time. The stained glass windows also provide an insight into the religious values and beliefs of those who attended the church during this time. Their intricacy and attention to detail highlight the importance of religious iconography and symbology for many in the area.
The woodwork of St John The Baptist is also a testament to the architecture and style of the church during the time that it was built. With bench ends, panelling, pulpit, and rood screen, the woodwork is comprised of exceptional craftsmanship and intricate design. These pieces demonstrate the skill and expertise of local craftsmen, of whom many are unattributed to this day. The woodwork also provides an insight into the economic, social and historical context in which the church was built, showing the level of investment and dedication that was placed into its construction.
Despite its rich history, St John The Baptist fell into disrepair over the years and was added to the English Heritage ‘At Risk’ Register. The church was at risk of being closed permanently and leading to the loss of valuable cultural and historical artefacts. Thankfully, the local community rallied to save the church, and a restoration project was initiated that began in 2015. The restoration project aimed to address the church’s disrepair and provide a sustainable future for the building, allowing future generations to appreciate the church’s rich history and unique features.
In conclusion, the St John The Baptist Church of England in Devizes, Wiltshire, is a unique and valuable cultural and historical landmark. The church provides a reflection of local community life and religious practices over the centuries. From its founding in response to Pagan practices to the present day, St John The Baptist has remained an important and integral part of local life, offering a glimpse into the past, and providing a rare cultural record of art, religion, and history. The restoration project initiated by the local community is testament to the value that St John The Baptist holds for future generations, and the dedication of the local community to preserving its unique heritage.
Posted by Oxfordshire Churches on 2015-04-23 06:22:19