All Saints
Down Ampney, Gloucestershire
Early English architecture with a window to Ralph Vaughan Williams who was born in the village and wrote the hymn tune Down Ampney.
St John the Baptist Latton, dates back to around 1150. It is built of local grey limestone with a Cotswold slate roof. The Tower is the most interesting feature from outside. The lower section is Norman and the upper sections are in the perpendicular style of the 15th century. The belfry holds five bells which are still rung; four dating from 1709 and one from 1741.
Entrance is from the south doorway which is Norman with shafts having a bold zigzag pattern as has the arch; above the ancient oak door the hood has moulded pellets around an undecorated tympanum.
The nave is surprisingly lofty with a timbered and plastered roof, supported by ten fine carved stone corbels. The most striking feature is the contrast between the plain stone walls and the rich stained glass windows. Most of the windows commemorate the Beadon family many of whom are buried in the churchyard. Two smaller windows in the chancel commemorate another local family, the Habgoods. The large east window is more subtly coloured and was installed in 1911 and is attributed to the Kemp company.
A grand Norman arch leads to the chancel which was rebuilt twice in the 19th century. Latterly under the direction of the architect Butterfield. The Sanctury has patterned tiles which are a signature of Butterfield's work. The oak bench pews in the nave and transepts date from the 17th century. The font is 19th century but the hollowed out single piece of stone was probably once used for baptisms and is thought to be of Roman origin.