St Swithin's Church Baumber
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Quenington Church of St Swithin

3.6
·5 reviews·Quenington, United Kingdom

A historic Grade I listed church featuring rare medieval wall paintings and significant Norman architecture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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St Swithin's Church Baumber

Quenington Church of St Swithin

Best Time

Weekends

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Grade I listed church featuring rare medieval wall paintings and significant Norman architecture.

3.6
(5 reviews)

"A truly remarkable church with stunning medieval wall paintings and ancient Norman architecture."

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TIP

🕊️ Respectful Visits

This is an active place of worship. Please be mindful of services and maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor.

📸 Photography Etiquette

Photography is generally allowed, but always check for any specific restrictions, especially during services.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Norman Architecture

Norman Architecture

Main Nave

Marvel at the enduring beauty of the 12th-century Norman architecture, a testament to centuries of history.

Medieval Wall Paintings

Medieval Wall Paintings

Chancel

Admire the rare and beautifully preserved medieval wall paintings, offering a vibrant glimpse into the past.

Saxon Font

Saxon Font

Near Entrance

See the ancient Saxon font, a significant relic that predates much of the church's current structure.

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Planning Your Visit

A Glimpse of History

Discover the rich history of Quenington Church of St Swithin, a Grade I listed building with origins dating back to the 12th century. Explore its architectural evolution and significance in the local community.

Planning Your Visit

Quenington Church of St Swithin is a peaceful place for reflection. Check local listings for any events or services before your visit to ensure you can experience it fully.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
During local events
Why
Experience community spirit
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

HAPPY ST. SWITHIN'S DAY
@mi.agostina
32.6K likes • 223.7K views

🕊️ Respectful Visits

This is an active place of worship. Please be mindful of services and maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor.

📸 Photography Etiquette

Photography is generally allowed, but always check for any specific restrictions, especially during services.

The #ChurchofStSwithin on #TheParagon, #Walcot, #Bath (March 2016) #BathSpa #BathCity #BathUK #igersbath #architecture #BathStone #church #Georgian #georgianarchitecture #greensky #StSwithinsChurch #StSwithinsBath
st.ph.n
1.1K likes • 0 views
Morning all! Happy Monday - hope it's the start of a great week. Just dropping in to share this lovely shot of Axford Buildings and St Swithin's church on The Paragon, taken by @lawlita_inspired . @antimitch will be back later with Photo of the Day. • Please remember to tag #IGersBath for a chance to be featured. _______________________________________________ Posted by moderator @ellabonbella_x
igersbath
341 likes • 0 views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Take time to wander the churchyard; it offers a tranquil setting and often holds historical interest.

The sensational violinist Cecilia Bernadini rehearsing for her concert at 1pm at St Swithins! 🎻🎶 Tickets available on the door 🚪#JumpIn #thebathfestival #music #violinist #violin #classicalmusic #concert #Bath
bathboxoffice
44 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🕊️ Respectful Visits

This is an active place of worship. Please be mindful of services and maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor.

📸 Photography Etiquette

Photography is generally allowed, but always check for any specific restrictions, especially during services.

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Take time to wander the churchyard; it offers a tranquil setting and often holds historical interest.

What Travellers Say

3.6
(5 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise Quenington Church of St Swithin for its historical significance and serene atmosphere. The well-preserved Norman architecture and rare medieval wall paintings are frequently highlighted as major attractions. While it's a place of worship, its accessibility for quiet contemplation and appreciation of its heritage is widely valued.

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Richard Sierakowski

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Andrew Webber

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Alison Chapman

What People Like

Historical architecture
Medieval wall paintings
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Quenington Church of St Swithin is located in the village of Quenington, Gloucestershire. Driving is the most common way to reach it, with local signage guiding you. Parking is usually available on nearby streets. Public transport options are limited, so checking bus routes in advance is recommended if you're not driving.

Parking is typically available on the streets surrounding the church. It's advisable to arrive a little early, especially if there's a local event, to secure a convenient spot.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Quenington Church of St Swithin is generally free. As it is an active place of worship, donations are always welcome to help with its upkeep.

The church is usually open daily during daylight hours for visitors to explore. However, it may be closed for private services or events, so it's best to check local listings or contact the parish office if you have specific timing requirements.

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The church boasts significant historical features including 12th-century Norman architecture, rare medieval wall paintings in the chancel, and an ancient Saxon font. Its Grade I listed status highlights its architectural and historical importance.

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always courteous to be discreet and avoid flash, especially during services. Always check for any posted signs regarding photography restrictions.

Access can vary. While the main areas of the church are generally accessible, some older buildings may have uneven flooring or steps. It's advisable to contact the church directly for specific accessibility information if needed.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Quenington is a small village, and dining options directly adjacent to the church are limited. However, nearby towns like Cirencester offer a wider range of pubs and cafes for refreshments after your visit.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

History Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by the past, Quenington Church of St Swithin is a must-visit. Its Grade I listed status and the presence of 12th-century Norman architecture and Saxon font make it a significant historical site. The rare medieval wall paintings in the chancel are a particular highlight, offering a vivid connection to medieval religious art and life.

Take your time to explore the details of the stonework, the font, and the surviving artwork. Consider researching the church's history beforehand to fully appreciate the context of what you're seeing. It’s a place where history is not just read about, but can be seen and felt.

Art and Architecture Lovers

Architectural aficionados and art lovers will find much to admire at Quenington Church of St Swithin. The Norman architecture provides a strong example of early medieval building techniques, characterized by its robust structure and distinctive arches. The preservation of the medieval wall paintings is exceptional, showcasing the vibrant artistry and storytelling prevalent in churches of that era.

These paintings are not merely decorative; they are a testament to the skill of medieval artisans and offer a colorful narrative of religious themes. The contrast between the ancient stonework and the surviving painted imagery creates a unique visual experience. It's a place to appreciate the enduring beauty of historical art and architecture.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvels

Quenington Church of St Swithin is a treasure trove of architectural history, primarily recognized for its significant Norman elements dating back to the 12th century. The sturdy stonework and characteristic rounded arches are hallmarks of this era, offering a tangible connection to medieval England. As a Grade I listed building, its preservation is paramount, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its structural integrity and historical narrative.

Beyond its Norman foundations, the church also showcases later additions and modifications, reflecting centuries of use and adaptation. The Saxon font is a particularly ancient artifact, hinting at even earlier Christian presence on the site. These layers of history make exploring the church a journey through different architectural periods, each telling a part of its long story.

The preservation of these ancient features is a testament to the community's dedication. Visitors often remark on the peaceful atmosphere that pervades the building, allowing for quiet contemplation of its enduring beauty and historical significance. It's a place where the past feels remarkably present.

The Artistry of Medieval Wall Paintings

One of the most captivating features of Quenington Church of St Swithin is its rare collection of medieval wall paintings, predominantly found in the chancel. These vibrant artworks, though faded by time, offer a remarkable glimpse into the religious art and storytelling of the medieval period. They often depict biblical scenes, saints, and other devotional imagery, serving as visual sermons for a largely illiterate congregation.

The survival of these paintings is quite extraordinary, given the historical tendency to whitewash or cover such decorations during later periods. Their discovery and careful restoration have brought back a significant artistic element to the church, allowing visitors to appreciate the skill and devotion of the medieval artists. The colors and figures, even in their aged state, convey a powerful sense of history and faith.

These paintings are not just decorative; they are historical documents. They provide insights into the theological beliefs, artistic styles, and daily life of the communities that worshipped here centuries ago. A visit to Quenington Church of St Swithin offers a unique opportunity to witness these fragile yet enduring pieces of art.

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