Church of St Nicholas, Bathampton

The Church of St Nicholas stands beside the River Avon and the Kennet and Avon Canal in the village of Bathampton. Built in the 13th century, it has a 15th-century tower and later restorations from the 18th and 19th centuries. The church is a Grade II* listed building and holds an Australia Chapel dedicated to Admiral Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales. Admiral Phillip was buried here in 1814, and his grave remains in the churchyard. The churchyard also contains several other significant tombs, including that of Adolphe, Viscount du Barry, killed in a duel in 1846.

The church’s history reflects broader changes in England. It was granted to Bath Abbey around 940 and likely had its first church soon after the Norman Conquest. The effigy of St Nicholas in the chancel wall dates from the late 11th century. The church survived the Black Death, when five vicars served in just one year. In the 15th century, a chapel and tower were added, and during the Reformation, the church’s patronage passed from Bath Abbey to Bristol Cathedral. Ralph Allen rebuilt much of the church in the 18th century, though some medieval features were lost.

Visitors find a quiet country church with a mix of old and new. The Australia Chapel has marble floors, wooden screens, and stained glass showing Australian coats of arms. A cross in the churchyard marks each coronation and jubilee, and war memorials stand near the main door. The churchyard holds tombs of notable figures, including the painter Walter Sickert. Services and community groups keep the church active today, with Sunday worship and mid-week Bible studies.