Timeline

Celebrating the rich heritage of Christ Church through a timeline of key historical events

  • Christ Church was built

    1839-1841

    The people on the north sideof Bradford-on-Avon wanted a church at the top of the hill.

  • The spire was added

    1843

    This was not on the original plan and is now the highest point in the town.

  • Did you know?

    The Mount Pleasant Centre was the original Christ Church school building.

  • The oldest stained glass window

    1857

    Made by William Warrington, this has the most vivid colours of all the windows, and is the oldest remaining stained glass window in the church.

  • The church clock was installed

    The total cost of the clock was £175 which was raised by subscriptions.

  • The new chancel was consecrated

    1876-1878

    This was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, whose other works include St.Pancras Station. What can you see in the chancel?

  • The interior of the church was decorated

    1881

    This was carried out by Burlison & Grylls under the direction of J.O. Scott (son of Sir George Scott) and much of this decoration still remains.

  • The Lady Chapel was constructed

    1917

    Mrs Moulton offered a lady chapel in memory of her son, Charles, who died in World War I.

  • A peal of eight bells were hung

    1923

    These were presented by General and Mrs. Palmer. To celebrate the centenary the bell ringers are planning to ring a peal.

  • Nave walls were repainted

    1926

    Gower and Stephens of Trowbridge repainted part of the Nave walls with a red/black border and a light/dark blue border. Can you spot this in the building?

  • Bespoke kneelers

    Bespoke kneelers were made

    1988-2000

    Dorna Daw co-ordinated a group of 44 embroiderers to make 222 bespoke kneelers for the church. These are still in use today.

  • Film production

    2008

    The interior of the church was used for a scene in the film, Creation, starring Paul Bettany as Charles Darwin.

  • Discover Christ Church!

    2022 - 2025

    Following community consultation that began in 2019, Discover Christ Church! was born.

  • Clock and spire restoration

    Clock and spire restoration:

    2023

    Smith of Derby restored and restarted our landmark spire clock, Wiltshire Steeplejacks repaired the stonework, and Wiltshire Stonemasons re-carved two intricate pinnacle stones. Made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Bradford on Avon Preservation Trust and community donations.

  • Biodiversity Enhancements

    Biodiversity Enhancements

    2023-24

    200+ primary school students plus staff and volunteers planted 1320 native bulbs, 10 woodland edge trees, 9 native type roses and the Ark planted wildflower see.s Made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Bradford on Avon Town Council.

  • New lighting

    New lighting

    2024

    AJ Electrics of Castle Vale replaced the broken and inflexible lighting with an adjustable and energy efficient lighting system that highlights Christ Church’s beautiful and important heritage features. Made possible by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.