An Introduction to St Andrew's

The church now consists, as it did at the Reformation, of a chancel, nave, north and south aisles and a west tower. The chancel, tower and large portions of the north and south walls have been subsequently rebuilt. Many buttresses have been added and two small porches. As recently as 1978 one of the principle piers to the south arcade was rebuilt.

Evidence for the early 11th century foundation is derived from the fragment of an Anglo-Saxon wall painting over the apparent chancel arch. The painting, in the style of the “Winchester School” of illuminators, is of a “Christ in Majesty” enclosed in a mandorla, supported by angels. The church’s importance in the 11th century is confirmed by the entry in the Domesday Book which states: (Nether) “WALLOP. Countess Gytha held it from Earl Godwin ... A church to which belong 1 hide, half of the manor’s tithe, all the church tax, 46d. From the villagers’ tithe and half of the fields ... Value to the church 25s.” So, a wealthy church in 1086!

The church confiscated by King William was retained by the Crown until granted by King Henry I to York Minster, in whose hands the Advowson still remains. It will be seen that the development is unusual in this diocese due, no doubt, to its connections with York Minster. In 1177 Henry II granted a manor in Wallop to Amesbury Abbey, while Henry III, in 1227, confirmed a grant of two hides at Heathmanstreet, Wallop, to St Peter’s Gloucester, subsequently leased by St Peter’s to Mottisfont Priory. There will be found in St Andrew’s Anglo-Saxon origin, royal connections, monastic influence and the eccentricity of later generations, which makes the history of this church of such absorbing interest.

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