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 Parishes:

Rector: Vacancy, tel: 01635 253323
Associate Priest: Revd Professor Chris Hancock

Email enquiries to: [email protected]

Benefice Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/nwhbchurches

Churchwarden:
Mr Alan Rowe 01635 253040

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: Vacancy, tel: 01635 253323

Associate Priest: Revd Professor Chris Hancock

Email enquiries to: [email protected]

Benefice Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/nwhbchurches

Churchwardens

Mr David Wolfenden 01635 254559