About Us
The Mother Church of those "Oxford Movement" churches built and re-built by Reverend Thomas Keble, brother of John (who was married here). Our church is nationally famous for its Ascension Day "Well-Dressing" ceremony when the senior pupils from the Bisley Blue Coat School dress the wells in thanksgiving for the wells' restoration in 1863. The procession through the streets of clergy and children in period costume, to the accompaniment of a silver band, is a spectacular sight
It was Thomas junior who uncovered the mystery of the "Bisley Boy". This was the local lad who was substituted for the young Princess Elizabeth who was staying in Over Court next to the church. Having fallen ill, after her death she was buried in the garden and the boy grew up to become Elizabeth I, explaining why she never married and supplied an heir and always appeared with whitened face to disguise a male beard!
All Saints still maintains a tradition of involving the church in the life of this picturesque Cotswold village. Its welcoming worship includes a mixture of styles and aims to provide occasions for all to participate in praise, fellowship, witness and service.