WiltshireCRICKLADEStSampson(row17CC-BY-SA2.0)1 Row17

St Sampson

St Sampson, with its magnificent tower, is an outstanding architectural and artistic landmark close to the Thames Path.

Cricklade, Wiltshire

Opening times

Covid19 : During the current difficulties, the church is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 am to 2pm and Sundays 2pm to 3.30pm.

[Normally open : Daily from 9.30 am to 3 pm.]

Address

Bath Road
Cricklade
Wiltshire
SN6 6AX

The imposing tower of St Sampson’s serves as a welcome landmark for those following the Thames Path or travelling on the A419.

We invite visitors to pause awhile and enjoy the remarkable atmosphere and explore the fascinating history of St Sampson’s church. The church was built on the site of a substantial cruciform Saxon Minster. Aisles were later added to the chancel together with a south chapel, the central tower and short transepts. The north porch was probably added in the late 12th century. Subsequent rebuilds and additions have included a major but relatively sympathetic restoration in 1863-4. This included new roofs, a rebuild of the south aisle, the removal of galleries, a new stone pulpit and the installation of pews.

Amongst the many fine heraldic carvings on the interior faces of the tower is The Bear and Ragged Staff of the Earls of Warwick, a reminder of the turbulent times of Lady Jane Grey. The other carvings also have interesting back stories. The tower houses the bell chamber with its ring of six bells. The draught is one of the longest in the country. The stained glass west window by the celebrated CE Kempe (1888) includes a representation of St Sampson holding a church which looks remarkably like St Sampson’s!

In 1930, Martin Travers introduced a new high altar with decorated putti and a fine painted glass east window illustrating the Fall of Man, the Nativity and the Cross becoming the becoming the Tree of Life Travers also created a colourful window with St Nicholas in his boat and another window with St Christopher which was dedicated to the memory of the son of the then Vicar. The north aisle houses the fine black marble tomb of Robert Jenner, a London goldsmith and MP for Cricklade. Over the years, his 'Hall' across the churchyard has been a workhouse, a brewery, a school and a care centre. Visitors will appreciate the architectural and artistic features of St Sampson’s church and can enjoy the hospitality of Cricklade’s hotels, pubs and cafes to make their visit truly memorable.

  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Social heritage stories

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Accessible toilets in church

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Café within 500m

  • Car park at church

  • Dog friendly

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Flower festival.

  • Christmas tree festival.

  • 28 July, St Sampson’s Day service and BBQ.

  • Beating the bounds.

  • Remembrance Day services.

  • Cricklade Band, Cricklade Community Choir and other concerts.

  • Sponsored cycle ride.

  • Cricklade town festival.

  • Annual quiz night.

  • Church of England

  • Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant, £5,000, 2021

  • Wolfson Fabric Repair Grants are awarded for urgent repair projects, based on our recommendation, to help keep churches open.

  • Cornerstone Grant, £10,000, 2021

  • Our Cornerstone Grants fund urgent repairs and essential community facilities such as toilets and kitchens to help keep churches open.

  • Gateway Grant, £6,700, 2022

  • Our Gateway Grants fund churches developing building projects and also urgent maintenance and repair projects to help keep churches open.

Contact information

Other nearby churches

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 Mary

Castle Eaton, Wiltshire

This Grade I church is situated on the banks of the Thames.