LOCAL TALK BACK

ACTON TURVILLE CHURCH - 1853
From a newspaper cutting dated 15 th October 1853
This ancient church, which has been closed for several months, whilst the works of its
restoration and enlargement have been in progress, was reopened, with the celebration of
Divine Service on Thursday 6 th inst. The works have been of a very extensive and important
character, comprising an entirely new roof and floor; the building of a new aisle and vestryroom
on the north side; the rebuilding of the south porch; and the reconstruction of the whole
interior. By these additions and alterations nearly four times the former amount of
accommodation has been secured. The picturesque bell-turret, which has so long been an
object of interest to the antiquarian, and is one of the most perfect specimens of its kind to be
found in the country, has been carefully preserved. Two new windows also have been
introduced, one with three lights, at the east end, and another with two lights in the west, in
place of those which formerly disfigured the church. The east window is of stained glass. A
new and appropriate font has likewise been substituted for the clumsy and unsightly font
which existed before. It is made of Tormarton stone, of which material the pillars and arches
which separate the aisle from the nave, and the corbels which support the open timber roof
are composed. The chancel which has stall seats on each side, is paved with Minton’s
encaustic tiles; and texts taken from the words of our Lord, are written at the top and base of
the east window, and beneath the cornice of the roof.
The above works have been executed by Mr Edmund Miller, builder of Seagry, under
the direction of Mr T.H. Wyatt of Great Russell Street, London, architect for the diocese of
Salisbury; and the result has been to exhibit evidences of ability and skill and judgment, not
less satisfactory than those displayed in the restoration and enlargement of Tormarton church,
six months ago by the same hands. The unfavourable weather necessarily prevented the
attendance of many who had intended to take part in the proceedings of the day. But
notwithstanding this drawback, between 30 and 40 of the clergy assembled with their friends
at an early hour, in rooms provided for their reception near the church. The continued illness
of the Duke of Beaufort frustrated his intention and wish of being present, but the Duchess,
and Lady Blanche Dupplin, and the Ladies Henrietta, Emily, and Edith Somerset, with the
Misses Damer, arrived at the Church from Badminton, a short time before the
commencement of the morning service. At the appointed hour, the clergy having put on their
gowns, walked in order towards the church, followed by the Rev. Canon Wordsworth and the
Rev. Henry Ellison (both of whom had undertaken to preach upon the occasion) and were
met at the churchyard gate by the Rector, the Rev. J.S.M. Anderson and his two Curates, and
by the Rural Dean (the Rev. T.B. Coney) and the Churchwardens. They entered the south
porch, and proceeding up the aisle, took their places in the chancel and other parts of the
church which had been set apart for them. The prayers and lessons were read by the Rev.
J.H.Morison, curate of Tormarton and Acton Turville; and parts of the service were chanted,
and Psalms sung by the village choir, the congregation joining. The Communion Service was
read by the Rector and the Rural Dean. Rev. Canon Wordsworth ascended the pulpit to
preach. At the conclusion of the sermon the offerings of the people amounted to nearly £50
Upon leaving the church, most of the members of the congregation repaired to an
adjoining field where a spacious and handsome Indian tent of cruciform shape belonging to
the Duke of Beaufort, and kindly lent by his Grace for the occasion, had been erected. It was
boarded throughout and thus afforded in spite of two days continued rain, a safe and
comfortable shelter to all who could be assembled within it.