Facilities and features
Accessibility
There is some hardstanding immediately outside of the church gate. It is possible to park on the grass verge along Church Lane.
A loo can be found at the Down Ampney community shop, next to the Village Hall.
Our Building
All Saints' Church is a fine Grade I listed building, which was built by the Knights Templar in 1265. It is 'a plague church' - the plague was visited upon the village - which was in the field opposite the church door - in medieval times. The people relocated their homes and so the church now stands at the edge of the village. In the church there are a numerous cinque foil - it is said that each of these represents one person who lost their lives in plague.
The church was much altered in the late 19th and early 20th century when a new organ, Rood Screen and other woodwork was installed in the church in the 'High Church' style. There are some lovely stained-glass windows. We are planning to install a new stained-glass window into the church in 2022 to commemorate the life of the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, who was born in the Vicarage.
Music and Worship
Being a church associated with the famous composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, we encourage groups to come and sing or perform in our church. A new stained glass window by Tom Denny was installed in 2022 to mark the 150th Anniversary of the birth of RVW. We welcome groups who want to come and sing or perform. The church has lovely acoustics.
A single manual 'Walker' organ installed during the time of The Reverend Arthur Vaughan Williams (mid-1800s), and is believed to have been played in later years by Ralph Vaughan Williams, who composed the hymn tune 'Down Ampney', which is played to the hymn "Come down, O love divine".
We have a small group of people who sing at our monthly Parish Communion.
Groups, Courses and Activities
We hold a monthly Coffee morning on the 4th Wednesday of the month at the Village Hall. All are welcome.
Help for Visitors
Guided Tours can be arranged - please contact us.
We usually have the church open from about 10am - 4pm each day.
Other Features
All Saints' Church is situated in a picturesque setting, adjacent to Down Ampney House - where Elizabeth I once stayed and danced in the Great Hall. She also came to church to pray. The ancient churchyard is awash historic tombs and early in the year (late January early February) snowdrops carpet the area. The surrounding fields and meadows have sheep and lambs gambling in the spring and summer months. There is a lovely flat walk (off road) from here to the neighbouring village of Latton.