Church of All Saints

The Church of All Saints stands in Netheravon, a village beside the River Avon in Wiltshire. A church has occupied this site since Saxon times, and the present building contains substantial remains from that early period. It is a Grade I listed building, recognised for its historical importance. The church’s cruciform shape and central tower reflect its long history. Much of the Norman work from the 11th century survives in the tower and walls. The church is worth visiting for its rare surviving Saxon architecture and its collection of historic bells. The tower’s lower half dates from the 9th or 10th century, making it one of the few large pre-conquest structures still standing. The nave and chancel were rebuilt in the 13th century, and the church was restored in the 19th century by C. E. Ponting. The six bells include examples from the 16th and 17th centuries, with later additions and restorations by John Taylor & Co. Inside, the church has a high, steeply pitched nave roof and simple lancet windows. The tower interior features two large pre-conquest arches, including a 19-foot round arch connecting the tower and nave. The chancel contains two wall monuments to members of the Herne family from the late 18th century. The bells remain in use, with four cast by John Taylor & Co and two older bells from the 16th and 17th centuries.