About Us

About the Parish Church in Coulston

The church building is Norman in origin, and its churchyard, has been lovingly cared for over the years. The dedication of the Church was to Saint Andrew but for the last 200 years has been known as the Church of Saint Thomas of Canterbury; although, locally, it is more often referred to as Saint Thomas à Becket (perhaps out of deference to the Beckett family, who were considerable landowners in the area for many years after the Reformation!). There are two Services of Parish Communion a month, both from Common Worship and attended by about twenty-five people.

Coulston Church in the Media

A book, a number of articles and a documentary on BBC television in  2013 featured Coulston church and the mystery surrounding who killed Francis (Saville) Kent, whose grave lies in the churchyard. Some doubt has been cast on the confession, and if the confession was made to cover for the real murderer.

<span style="font-size: 1rem;">The Village of Coulston</span>

The village of Coulston is set in a lovely rural surroundings just north of the B3098 road, and is an attractive village with a mix of sixty- five old and new houses. Of the four parishes in the Benefice it is the smallest (population about 150). There is no shop or pub, so the Church and the Village Hall work together to provide a community focus, with village suppers, Christmas bazaars and plant sales taking place in the village Hall – all of which are well-attended.

It is a friendly place with a good neighbourly atmosphere and an interesting mix in both age and skills.

Coulston falls within the catchment for the highly successful Holy Trinity CofE Aided Primary Academy at Great Cheverell.

Safeguarding Policy

St Thomas of Canterbury Church takes its responsibilities surrounding the safeguarding of children, young people, and adults who may be at risk very seriously, and works in partnership with the Diocese of Salisbury to ensure that we act in accordance with best practice at all times. Our Benefice Safeguarding Policy can be found on our church noticeboard.

If you have any Safeguarding questions or concerns you can contact our Benefice Safeguarding Officer, Joanna Robertson on 01380 830375 email [email protected]. Alternatively you can contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, on 07500 664800 or email [email protected]