The exterior of the church at the turn of the 19th century would be recognisable today. It was recorded by John Buckler, architect and medievalist, who was commissioned to paint all the churches of Wiltshire. A print of his work on St Mary's is displayed on the website and is dated 1810. The then bell tower is shrouded with climbing vegetation, the churchyard is open to the street and there is a curious lean-to structure at the junction of the nave and chancel. This housed an external staircase of 1779/80 which had replaced an earlier access to a rood loft. Now that we have seen the outside of the church it's time to head back to the Porch, where those that haven't been inside can do so. |
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