A church at the centre of the village.
St Mary’s Church in Bishopstone is a place where Christian faith, history, and community come together. Set in a stunning downland village, our beautiful ancient church has been a place of worship of God for over a thousand years — and still is today.
Our churches hold a joint service of worship on the second Sunday of every month. The service rotates between the four churches, bringing the Wellspring Villages community together to celebrate our shared faith. Everyone is welcome to join us.
Whether you are joining us for a quiet moment of reflection, a traditional service, or one of our seasonal events, you will find a warm atmosphere and a sense of peace that speaks to all generations of the love of God. We cherish our heritage, with features such as the rare Anglo-Saxon chancel arch and medieval wall paintings ??— but St Mary’s is far more than a historic building. It is a church where faith in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is nurtured, and community life lived out.
St Mary’s at Bishopstone includes an “exquisite” late Norman doorway (north side) and fragments of 12th-century carving set into later walls. The main style of the building is Perpendicular Gothic, and the church underwent restorations in the 19th century notably after a fire in 1891, plus earlier 1868 / 1883 work. It’s Grade I listed and noted in county architectural records for its Norman work and Perpendicular arcades and parapet details.
Worship and Services
Services are held monthly and follow the rhythms of the Church year, offering both reverence and joy. We welcome families, newcomers, and visitors alike — whether you have been walking the nearby hills or are simply drawn to the church’s quiet presence.
Come and be part of the family of God in this place today. Come and find space to breathe deeply of the Holy Spirit, to belong, and to believe.
Worship and Services
We are part of a wider benefice and hold services monthly, including:
Holy Communion, usually Common Worship but occasionally Book of Common Prayer (1662) services.
Morning Prayer:
Special seasonal services such as Christmas, Easter, and Harvest
Please see our [Service Schedule] for up-to-date times and locations across the benefice.
Visiting the Church
We welcome walkers, pilgrims, and those exploring local history or seeking a moment of calm. The church is usually open during daylight hours and is a lovely stop for those enjoying the surrounding landscape or nearby Ridgeway path.
Address: Church Road, Bishopstone, SN6 8PY
Open: by arrangement
Parking: Available near the church
Worshiping with Us
We offer a rhythm of worship that includes Holy Communion, Morning Prayer, and special seasonal services — all designed to deepen our relationship with God and one another and glorify Him.