St Mary's Church, Ashley
Hampshire
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About this church
Echoes of a long ago fortified past
This twelfth-century church, set prettily amongst trees, was probably built to serve Gains Castle, a Norman fortification now vanished.
A long, very narrow building of local stone, flint and brick, it consists only of nave, chancel and south porch, with two bells hung in small arches in the west gable.
Interesting features inside include: the triple chancel arch; a thirteenth-century wall painting in the splay of a small Norman window in the chancel; the ancient south door; a curious seventeenth-century alms box cut out of an oak post.
For further information about this church please contact the Local Community Officer via email vgreen@thecct.org.uk
Access information
Approach from lane up sloping gravel path with two steps halfway. Limited parking at the bottom of the path. Further two steps to nave.
Facilities & hire
St Mary's church is available to hire for events and is a unique and beautiful venue. It is also available for wedding blessings and funeral services. Due to its historic nature the church has no running water or toilet facilities so thought needs to be given for events longer than a couple of hours. St Mary's Church does have lighting and electricity. There is limited parking available.
The maximum capacity is 60 people including performers, staff and volunteers.
In the past this church has hosted talks and exhibitions as well as occasional services. The church has a very supportive friends' group (see details below in 'Community information').
If you would like to hire this church please contact us here.
- Church available for hire
Directions
4 miles south east of Stockbridge, off A3057.
Transport
Nearest railway stations: Dunbridge (5.3 miles) or Winchester (5.8 miles).
History & further information
Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church before you visit? You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church.
Hampshire, Sussex & Surrey County Guide
This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches we care for in Hampshire, Sussex & Surrey. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.
Download the guidebook for St Mary's Church, Ashley.
Hampshire Medieval Graffiti Report on the Inscription in St Mary's, Ashley
Download this report on the 16th Century inscription in St Mary's Ashley.
Community information
Click here to download a copy Ashley Church Plan of the Church Plan which sets out the shared vision for the future of the church. This is a working document that will be updated on a regular basis. If you have any feedback or if you want to contact us about the church plan please drop us a line. When you write, please do give the name of the church, thank you!
The Friends of Ashley Church
The Friends assist The Churches Conservation Trust in caring for the church, organising events and raising funds for the building's upkeep.
Telephone: 01794 388248
Email: terrynola@gmail.com
Useful local links:
- Visit Hampshire tourism website
- Hampshire & the Islands Historic Churches Trust
- Hampshire Genealogical Society
- List of churches in Hampshire
- Diocese of Winchester
All our Hampshire churches are in our West region.
