Church of St Margaret

The Church of St Margaret stands in Bagendon, a village in the Cotswold District of Gloucestershire. Built in the 12th century, it is one of the oldest churches in the area and holds Grade I listed status. The building is made of local limestone and shows signs of earlier Saxon work. The chancel was rebuilt in the 1460s, and further changes were made in the 19th century. A major restoration took place in 1889 under Sidney Gambier-Parry. The church is recognised for its fine architectural details and historical layers. Its west tower rises in three stages, supported by diagonal buttresses, and contains five bells. Inside, an 11th-century font survives, along with memorials and tombs from different centuries. A small aumbry is set into the south wall of the sanctuary. Fragments of 15th-century stained glass remain, including a window by Charles Eamer Kempe in the north west. Visitors find a quiet, reflective space with a strong sense of continuity. The nave and north aisle lead to the chancel, where the oldest features are concentrated. The tower’s bells add a living element to the ancient setting. The church belongs to the Churn Valley benefice and the Diocese of Gloucester, linking it to a wider community.