Explore, restore and celebrate our rich Victorian heritage

Discover Christ Church!

Discover Christ Church! is a National Lottery Heritage funded community project that is exploring, restoring and celebrating the rich Victorian heritage of the grade 2* listed building of Christ Church in Bradford on Avon.

It is a 32 month project, which in essence is a programme of community-based activities intertwined with the heritage and restoration of the building. For example, activities inspired by the wall paintings, stencilled patterns, floor tiles, stained glass windows, its organ and the stone carvings, as well as the biodiversity of the churchyard.

Take a look at our upcoming events.

Community

We are working very closely with the local schools, BoA youth and Dementia Action Alliance who are just a few of our key local community contacts. They along with congregation members and others played a key role not only in the initial project consultation but also in contributing ideas that continue to inform the development of our program of community activities.

We are so grateful for our wonderful, dedicated and skilled team of volunteers who give their time and support to the many and varied aspects of our project.  If you would be interested in joining us, please visit our Get Involved page.

Discovery

Our project is discovering lots of fascinating things about Christ Church, from the C18th school records held by the school, foundation trowel and mallet kept safely locked away, a section of stained glass window celebrating the family that funded the founding of our primary school found in the basement, the names of choir boys from times passed scribed behind the organ, to colonies of common orchids in our churchyard… our journey of discovery continues to surprise us.

This website includes:

• A directory and plans of churchyard graves and memorial garden.

• A selection of quizzes developed by Year 6 on the heritage of Christ Church.

• A Christ Church timeline including Discover Christ Church’s key restoration milestones.’

Restoration

The Discover Christ Church! project has achieved a lot in its short life! The landmark spire clock has been restored and restarted, an intricately carved pinnacle has been restored, new energy efficient and adjustable lighting has been installed, the nave walls with their magnificent wall paintings and friezes are clean crisp and clear - lifting the whole appearance of this beautiful church. Outside, 2,500 spring bulbs have been planted and 20 native trees and roses have been planted enhancing the value of the churchyard for wildlife as well as for the enjoyment of the many people walking through.

Ultimately, we want Christ Church to be a place for the community that is inclusive and accessible to all for everyone to enjoy.