Welcome to the Parish of Wellspring Villages
Wellspring Villages brings together the four historic churches of Bishopstone, Hinton Parva, Liddington, and Wanborough — communities whose faith and fellowship have shaped this corner of Wiltshire for nearly a thousand years.
Set amid the rolling downland where the chalk hills meet the Thames valley, our parish is a place where heritage, faith, and village life flow together.
On 7 May 2025, after years of shared worship and collaboration, the Bishop of Bristol approved the union of the former parishes of Bishopstone with Hinton Parva and Liddington and Wanborough. From 1 June 2025, we became The Parish of Wellspring Villages — four churches, one family, sharing the living water of Christ.
Why “Wellspring Villages”?
Our name reflects both the natural and the spiritual life of our home. The downs are laced with natural springs — sources of clear water that sustain our villages. In the Bible, wells and springs symbolise God’s grace and renewal: “Whoever drinks the water I give will never thirst.” (John 4:14).
It is our prayer that this parish, too, will be a wellspring of refreshment, faith, and hope for all who live in or visit these villages.
Four Churches, One Worshipping Community
Our family of faith gathers across:
St Mary the Virgin, Bishopstone – home to a fine Norman doorway and centuries of worship.
All Saints, Liddington – a 13th-century village landmark of peace and prayer.
St Andrew’s, Wanborough – renowned for its rare combination of spire and tower.
St Swithun’s, Hinton Parva – a 13th-century chapel of ease, rich with medieval craftsmanship.
We rotate Sunday worship between our churches at 10:30 a.m., sharing Holy Communion, Morning Prayer, Songs of Praise, and family-friendly Messy Church gatherings. Wherever you come, you’ll find a warm welcome.
Rooted in Faith, Growing Together
Led by Revd Steve Paynter and supported by our dedicated lay team, we stand within the Diocese of Bristol, Archdeaconry of Malmesbury, and Deanery of Swindon.
Together we aim to worship God, serve our communities, and share the living water of Christ with all.
Whoever you are, wherever you come from, you are part of the story we are still writing — a story of faith, friendship, and life in abundance.
Our Churches
Our new parish brings together four historic and much-loved worship spaces:
St Mary the Virgin
Bishopstone
All Saints
Lyddington
St Andrew’s
Wanborough
St Swithun
Hinton Parva (continuing as a Chapel of Ease)