Christ Church, Bradford-on-Avon

Christ Church stands in the Hillside Terraces district of Bradford-on-Avon, a small town in Wiltshire. It was built in the early 19th century to serve a new parish created when residents objected to walking downhill to the older Holy Trinity church. The architect George Phillips Manners designed the building in the Perpendicular style, with plain walls and clear glass windows. It was consecrated in 1841 as a simple structure with stone flagged floors. The church later underwent significant changes under the direction of Sir George Gilbert Scott. In 1875 he rebuilt the east end and added a sanctuary beyond the original east wall. After his death in 1878, his son John Oldrid Scott continued the work on the interior. Further additions included a south porch in 1884 and a south chapel in 1919, created as a war memorial to C. Eric Moulton. The church also has a ring of eight bells, cast in 1923 by Gillett & Johnston. Today Christ Church is a Grade II* listed building, recognised for its architectural importance. Nikolaus Pevsner described it as a ‘big, prosperous church’ in his guide. The interior features Victorian craftsmanship, including the sanctuary and chapel. The parish remains part of the North Bradford-on-Avon benefice, continuing its role in the community.