Derry Hill - Church

Church

Derry Hill Christchurch is located on Church Road next to the School. It was built for the parish of Derry Hill, Bowood, Pewsham and Sandy Lane in 1839–1840, to a design by T.H. Wyatt and D. Brandon, in the Late Perpendicular Gothic style, in dressed stone, and beautifully decorated inside. There were three banks of pews (556 seats) in a wide nave with a small sanctuary. The West tower with a needle spire was provided by the 3rd Lord Lansdowne, at a cost of £111. Later, ca.1862, an organ was provided. Before the choir stalls were built in 1953–1954, the choir had sung from the gallery. Other improvements to the church in the 20th century included re-seating the nave in 1936, and replacing the stone roof tiles with slate, together with other general repairs, in 1961–1962. Also in the 1960s the layout of pews was altered to the current configuration of two banks separated by a central isle.

The church was used regularly by the Lansdowne family for weddings and funerals when their private chapel was too small. Regular services taking place at the church include Mattins, Holy Communion, and the family service on Sundays. Additionally, the Church sometimes hosts events such as concerts in order to raise funds.

In 1994, the Derry Hill vicarage was united with that of Bremhill and Foxham, with one vicar covering both parishes. The parish registers from 1840 (baptisms and burials) and 1842 (marriages), other than those in current use, are held in the Wiltshire and Swindon Record Office.