Wilmington Church
The last of several churches featured on this route.
Church Guide
The church dates from the 12th century and has always been associated with, and was for a long time linked to, the Benedictine Priory close by. The remains of the priory buildings are now part of a private house.
Outside, the great Yew tree by the porch is said to be 1,600 years old. The church itself has a Norman chancel; the monks would have used the latter (the parishioners restricted to the nave), which still preserves its Norman lancets and low ledges for seating the monks: originally, the floor would have been lower, so making the seating more practical.
The north transept chapel was added early in the 13th century, with the two-bay south aisle following slightly later. This was later partially blocked, but reopened during Victorian restoration. The chancel arch is also a 19th century replacement in the 13th century style.
Wilmington Church
The last of several churches featured on this route.
Church Guide
The church dates from the 12th century and has always been associated with, and was for a long time linked to, the Benedictine Priory close by. The remains of the priory buildings are now part of a private house.
Outside, the great Yew tree by the porch is said to be 1,600 years old. The church itself has a Norman chancel; the monks would have used the latter (the parishioners restricted to the nave), which still preserves its Norman lancets and low ledges for seating the monks: originally, the floor would have been lower, so making the seating more practical.
The north transept chapel was added early in the 13th century, with the two-bay south aisle following slightly later. This was later partially blocked, but reopened during Victorian restoration. The chancel arch is also a 19th century replacement in the 13th century style.