St Mary’s Church, Alton Barnes and All Saint’s Church, Alton Priors

The small, beautiful Saxon Church of St Mary serves the idyllic villages of Alton Barnes and Alton Priors. The place name is derived from Saxon “village by the stream.” The church was largely rebuilt in the 1700s century, although there are some parts that date to the 1500s.

One of the most beautiful features are the stained-glass panels, including some created by the renowned glass engraver and poet, Sir Laurence Whistler (brother of the artist Rex Whistler) and his son Simon, who both lived in the parish at one time. There are also some monuments detailing the extraordinary lives of the Crowe family.

Literally a stone’s throw away in an adjacent field is the Church of All Saints in the village of Alton Priors. This church, which is of Norman origin, became redundant in 1972 and is now in the care of The Churches Conservation Trust and it is open daily, usually between 10am and 4pm. Look out for memorials to the Button Family and learn about their Tudor connections including with Henry VII’s principal adviser Thomas Cromwell, and royalist affiliations during the English Civil War.

Why not include this as part of your itinerary on a walk around the Vale of Pewsey and the surrounding chalk downland, where you can take in views of the Alton Barnes White Horse, Adam’s Grave and the Wansdyke, and other spectacular landmarks; or stroll along the nearby Kennet & Avon Canal.