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- East Shefford, Berkshire (St Thomas' Church)
This simple little church, with pre-Norman origins, stands in an idyllic spot beside a water meadow next to the River Lambourn.
Its village has long since vanished, but the spirit of the villagers shines through in the church’s simple craftsmanship, glorious Medieval wallpaintings and fabulous tombs.
The alabaster statue of local noble Sir Thomas Fettiplace lies alongside that of his wife and gives a rare glimpse of 15th-century fashion.
Look out for the lovely Norman tub font, an early Medieval tomb, and fragments of early stained glass.
Discover more about wallpaintings in this church
To locate this church on a map, click on the 'View on map' link that appears below the address information at the top of the page.
2 miles north east of M4 junction 14, off A338 (Wantage Road)
Nearest railway station: Kintbury (5 miles). Bus route 4.
SU 391 747
01/05/12
Following on from the success of our Discover Wallpaintings project last year we are delighted to announce the launch of…
St Mary's Church, Lambourn Woodlands, Berkshire
A Gothic Revival gem
St Margaret's Church, Catmore, Berkshire
A small downland church with 12th-century origins
Ashdown House
National Trust property
Didcot Railway Centre
Heritage site
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Click on images to view larger
The CCT is grateful to the Flickr group, Friends of the Churches Conservation Trust, for the images shown here. CCT is not responsible for the quality or content of images taken from Flickr.
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church and the CCT before you visit?
You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church.
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire County Guide (PDF, 4.7mb)
This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches CCT cares for in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.
St Mary's Church, Lambourn Woodlands, Berkshire
A Gothic Revival gem
Ermin Street, Woodlands St Mary, Hungerford, Berkshire, RG17 7SR
See church page
St Margaret's Church, Catmore, Berkshire
A small downland church with 12th-century origins
Catmore, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 7HN
See church page
St Mary's Church, Chute Forest, Wiltshire
A low budget church
Chute Forest, Andover, Wiltshire, SP11 9DF
See church page
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
All our Berkshire churches are in CCT’s West region.
Berkshire Local History Association
Berkshire Family History Society
Royal County of Berkshire Historic Churches Trust
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
If the access information for this church is listed as 'Keyholder nearby', this means that the key is kept by one of our invaluable volunteer 'keyholders', who usually live just a short walk from the church and can give visitors the key; sometimes this is a nearby hotel, pub, library, art gallery or other venue. You will find instructions explaining how to get the key when you arrive at the church.
Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a very small number of them have heating or running water meaning that they can be cold, and very rarely have toilet facilities. The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor. We do apologise for any inconvenience the lack of facilities may cause.
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The joyful faces of the angels on the wall paintings contrast vividly with the alabaster monument and military helmet. But for me the hand made, decorated floor tiles although very modern in comparison beautifully compliment the simple, slightly rustic nature of this lovely church.
As Simon Jenkins in his book this church has everything as well as a superb rural setting. We have visited over 120 of the Trust churches and this is probably our favourite(second visit).
I visited this delightful church on 14 August. Members thinking of visiting this church should note that access is not at all clear, being via the drive to a private estate. Park to the right of the wrought iron gates by the "Church Parking" notice. Follow the public bridlepath over the bridge and then fork right towards a modern looking cottage. Access to the church is via a kissing-gate to the left.
There were no guide books when I visited.