St Swithun's Church Lyddington Rutland exterior stone church with porch and tower

St Swithun’s

Welcome to St Swithun’s Church, Hinton Parva
A Peaceful Place of Prayer in the Heart of the Wiltshire Countryside

Tucked away in the quiet beauty of the hamlet of Hinton Parva, St Swithun’s Church offers a sacred space of peace, reflection, and worship of God. Surrounded by rolling fields and timeless hedgerows, our small country church is a haven for those seeking stillness, spiritual depth, and connection to God and His family in Christ.

On the fourth Sunday of each month, the congregations of our four parishes unite in worship. As we gather in turn within each of our historic churches, we celebrate the enduring faith that connects our villages and gives life to our Wellspring Villages community.

A Church with Deep Roots

St Swithun’s is a simple and beautiful rural church, believed to date back to the 12th century. With its traditional stone walls, timbered roof, and peaceful churchyard, it reflects the long Christian heritage of this ancient settlement. Here, generations have gathered to mark life’s milestones, to give thanks to God, and to seek hope in the faith of Christ for today.

Though modest in size, St Swithun’s holds a powerful sense of place and presence—echoing centuries of Christian faith and practise.

St Swithun’s is a small, attractive Grade I church whose main body dates to c.1300 while preserving earlier Norman features — two Norman arcades, a richly carved Norman font (with animal carving), and medieval fittings. The interior includes notable stained glass by Kempe and Laurence Whistler; there are records and a parish booklet describing medieval tiles, memorials, and phased restoration work over the centuries. The church sits within a conservation area and retains many original medieval features.

Worship at St Swithun’s

Our services are thoughtful, reverent, and welcoming to all. Whether you are a long-standing member of the congregation or visiting for the first time, you will find a warm welcome and a meaningful space for worship.

Worship at St Swithun’s

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.

Life Events: Baptism, Marriage & Funeral Services

St Swithun’s continues to be a sacred setting for life’s most significant moments. If you are thinking of a baptism, church wedding, or funeral, we are here to offer guidance, care, and spiritual support.

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: Hinton Parva, Wiltshire SN4 0DH

Open: During daylight hours, or by arrangement

Parking: Limited roadside parking available nearby

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.

“Where heritage and faith flow together in one parish family.”