Churches
We have two Churches:
St James, Ashmansworth
St James’ Church is the oldest surviving building in Ashmansworth, with much of the church dating from the 12th century, with a brick porch added in 1694 and the east wall rebuilt in 1745.
It is Grade I listed.
The walls show the remains of medieval wall paintings thought to date from the 14th century and the turret houses three bells dating from 1588 to 1780.
The church is closely associated with Gerald Finzi the composer, who lived in the adjacent house from 1939 to 1956. The porch features an unusual etched window that displays the initials of fifty English composers with their dates of birth, all radiating from a tree’s roots. It was created by the artist Laurence Whistler, a friend of the Finzi family.
So, they are not underground,
But as nerves and veins abound
In the growths of upper air,
And they feel the sun and rain,
And the energy again
That made them what they were!
Thomas Hardy ‘Transformations’
For more history of St James', see attachment below. See also the History of our village, giving more detail of our churches.
The North West Hampshire Benefice comprises Ashmansworth, Crux Easton, East Woodhay, Highclere and Woolton Hill Churches.
The previous parishes of Ashmansworth, Crux Easton, East Woodhay and Woolton Hill have combined into a single parish of North West Hampshire.
Rector: Revd Lisa Rodrigues, tel: 01635 283125
Associate Priest: Vacancy
Email enquiries to: [email protected]
Benefice Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/nwhbchurches
Churchwarden:
Mr Alan Rowe 01635 253040
For details of services, follow this link.
St Michael and All Angels, Crux Easton
The Domesday Book records a church in Crux Easton and a Norman church existed on the current site during the 12th century but the present St Michael & All Angels church in Crux Easton was erected in 1775, replacing the structure as it then existed. The only record offering an explanation for the church’s replacement is a parish register describing it as a “hideous structure"!
Various works of restoration have been undertaken over the years. Electric light and heating were installed in 1953 and carpets made in the 1980/90's and the altar frontal (a Millennium project) were all worked by members of the congregation.
See also the History of our village, giving more detail of our churches.
The North West Hampshire Benefice comprises Ashmansworth, Crux Easton, East
Woodhay, Highclere and Woolton Hill Parishes:
Rector: Revd Lisa Rodrigues, tel: 01635 283125
Associate Priest: Vacancy
Email enquiries to: [email protected]
Benefice Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/nwhbchurches
Churchwarden:
Mr David Wolfenden 01635 254559
For details of services, follow this link.