Church of St. Bartholomew, Wanborough
The Church of St Bartholomew, Wanborough, Guildford, Surrey, GU3 2JR
St Bartholomew’s Church has a unique, peaceful, prayerful atmosphere. It is in regular use for worship and this weekend we offer it to you as a quiet place to reflect and pray while also offering you a chance to discover some of its intriguing history. We would also be delighted to welcome visitors to our 9am morning service on September 8th.
The Domesday book records a Saxon church at “Weneberge” before 1060. This church was largely rebuilt by the Cistercian monks of Waverley Abbey during their tenure from the 12th century onwards and pilgrims used to visit the church and seek refreshment from the monks on their way to Canterbury. After the closure of the monasteries, the building became a parish church. However, towards the end of the 17th century the church gradually became used more as a farm building.
The fine roof was one of the reasons why people wanted the church restored and, after some work by Woodyer, the church was reopened for worship in 1860. All the coloured glass dates from then on. The two striking Arts and Crafts style windows are memorials to the West family. Beneath the parish war memorial is a moving plaque remembering the brave men and women of the Special Operations Executive who trained at Wanborough Manor during the Second World War.
For this year’s Heritage theme 'Routes', we will be exploring pilgrims on the old road between Winchester and Canterbury. So come along and have fun being a pilgrim and make your own pilgrim badge.
The Church of St Bartholomew, Wanborough, Guildford, Surrey, GU3 2JR
There is a step up into the Chancel but this does not prevent viewing almost all of the interior detail on the level. The car park is behind the barns and there is a slight slope up to the church. Accessible toilets are in the adjacent Village Hall.
A guide will be available to give 10 minute talks on the history of St Bartholomew’s. Alternatively, discover the story of the church at your leisure. Wanborough is en fête for the weekend so you can also visit Wanborough Barn and homemade refreshments are available in the Village Hall.