There is evidence of human activity on the site from at least 2,500BC; there is an Early Bronze Age barrow at the eastern
end of the Churchyard. It is probable that there was a Saxon church on the site, but the clearest direct link with the current building starts in Norman times (1130-1150) with the nave arcades.

A new chancel was added in the 13th century, with the tower being added in 1440. A few modifications were made thereafter, but the most significant subsequent restoration occurred in 1847-49 under
the hand of the eminent Victorian architect, William Butterfield, who revamped much of the interior.


Over the centuries the church has been variously subject to the jurisdiction of the Abbey of Bec Hellouin in Normandy, then St George’s Chapel Windsor, but currently falls under the Diocese of
Salisbury. It has a direct connection with many of the significant events in English history and has served the parish in good times and bad.

People have lived in this part of Wiltshire for many thousands of years

Burial mounds from prehistoric days are a familiar part of the scenery, though it is unusual to have one in the churchyard. The mound at Ogbourne St Andrew Church was excavated in 1855 and Saxon remains were found

St Andrew’s church, nestling at the foot of the Marlborough Downs, is a little gem; it has a rich history and continues to be active with a small but committed congregation.

For further information please visit the Ogbourne St Andrew History Group website

The Architecture

The earliest parts of the church are in the Norman style (12 th century). The very solid pillars in the nave and the two arches each side are distinctive of this period.

Note the varying decorations on the pillars and the north and south doorways also from this period.

The aisles were first built in the 12th century but the perpendicular style of the windows shows they were rebuilt in 15 th century.

The chancel was rebuilt in 13 th century (early English style). The original would have been less lofty with small windows. The east window was rebuilt in the 14th century (decorated style) and the priest’s door in the 15 th century.

The chancel arch as well as the chancel roof and east wall were restored or rebuilt in the 19 th century.

The roof of the nave and aisles is medieval (15 th century). The clerestory, tower and font are from the 15 th century. Note the embossed vault to the tower in what is now the vestry.

Features of Interest

Dog-toothing in the south doorway and remains of a scratch dial.


Fragments of medieval glass in the south aisle (a chalice and emblems of the Passion).


The remains of a holy water stoup inside the south doorway and piscina in the chancel.


The south window of the chancel which is particularly low, probably a leper or sanctus/”squint” window (to enable people outside to see the priest and the consecrated host).

The doorway on north side of the chancel (possibly to a rood screen).

Goddard monument in the chancel.

There are five bells dating between the 13th and 18th centuries.

The registers go back to 1538 and all but the most recent are kept at the County Records office in Chippenham.

The graveyard, which includes two Commonwealth War Graves, has recently been extensively mapped in great detail including a detailed geophysical survey of the barrow, which remained outside the graveyard boundary until the late 19th century click here to see the results

The Church serves the villages of Ogbourne St Andrew, Ogbourne Maizey and Rockley, a total population of some 450 people. Is is part of a team of parishes known as the Ridgeway Benefice comprising Chiseldon, Ogbourne St George and Ogbourne St Andrew.

The current Rector is the Reverend Canon Roger Powell.