St Laurence
Downton, Wiltshire
A large Grade I cruciform church on a hillside above the village.
"Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you."
This greeting is written around the main door to our church, in the south porch and with this we invite you to visit our church and churchyard.
Charlton is at the very eastern end of the Chalke Valley Benefice, only five miles from the medieval town of Salisbury with its world famous Cathedral. We are surrounded by farm land and water meadows, and on the Avon Valley Path.
The church was designed by distinguished architect Thomas Henry Wyatt in the plain Early English style at the behest of Horatio, 3rd Earl Nelson (and great-nephew of the victor of Trafalgar) who lived at the nearby Trafalgar House. It was consecrated in 1851.
The font is by William Butterfield and there are two fine stained glass windows showing St John and St Andrew by the famous William Morris. Two further windows depict the Madonna & Child and St Peter, by Mayers & Co. A war memorial window, showing St George defeating the Dragon, was installed in 1952, designed by WT Carter Shapland.
The ailing pews were removed from the nave over 30 years ago, making a flexible open plan space which is used for many community events including the village BBQ, talks & slideshows and the Downton Band concert.
In 2024, All Saints joined the Eco Church initiative and is proud to be working towards the Bronze Award, starting with improving the biodiversity of the churchyard.