St Giles Alderton

Set in a tiny village, this beautiful Grade II* listed church was extensively rebuilt by the Victorians as a re-creation of an Early English church.  Completed in 1845, it was designed by J Thompson and was the gift of Joseph Neeld of Grittleton House.  The north tower, with a spire, is Victorian as is the imitation Norman north doorway, the ‘13th century’ south arcade, and the splendid east wall of the chancel with two figures in niches.

The only part remaining from the previous church is the south wall of the tower with a blocked doorway to the former rood loft.  However, monuments predate the Victorian rebuilding: a tomb chest to Thomas Gore, died 1532, although without an effigy as it previously held a brass; Charles Gore, died 1628, a small and kneeling figure presented as a man although he died aged six.  On the chancel floor is the grave of Lydia Gore whose five children all died young.  There is a Crucifixion of about 1845 in the stained glass.