St Swithun's Church, Brookthorpe
Gloucestershire
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About this church
A coded inscription recording a king's execution
The saddleback tower of this church is visible from the main road behind Brookthorpe Court.
It is mainly thirteenth century, although the north aisle is Victorian. The inscription on the porch is a chronogram, with a hidden date recording the execution of Charles I in 1649.
Inside, the stairs to the rood-loft remain. The pulpit is seventeenth century as is the chalice-shaped font. On the splay of a window on the north side of the chancel is a memorial to the architect Detmar Blow, carved by Eric Gill.
This church is currently closed due to structural issues. We will need to raise significant funds to remedy this.
To donate to Brookthope Church:
Text BRE to 70970 to donate £5. Text BRE to 70191 to donate £10
Or donate via the website here. Thank you.
Access information
Approached from large parking area off the Stroud / Gloucester main road, through iron gate over level churchyard to south porch. Shallow step up from grass to south porch and one step down to the nave floor.
Volunteering opportunities
We are looking for volunteers to help support future fundraising for work on this church. If you are interested in volunteering please contact imilne@thecct.org.uk.
Facilities & hire
This building is closed so is currently not available for hire.
- Opportunities to volunteer
Directions
4 miles south of Gloucester and 4.5 miles north of Stroud on A4173; coming from Gloucester on the A4173 (to Stroud), cross over the M5 and the church will be found on the right hand side in a further 500 metres, set back from the road behind a small grass-covered car park.
Transport
Nearest railway station: Gloucester (3.8 miles).
History & further information
Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church and the CCT 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.
Bristol & Gloucestershire County Guide
This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches CCT cares for in Bristol & Gloucestershire. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.
St. Swithun's Brookthorpe Guidebook
Community information
CHURCH CLOSURE UPDATE
This church is currently closed due to structural issues. Investigation work has begun, with trial pits being used to test the soil and look at the foundations. Based on the findings from this, the next steps are that the Structural Engineer will modify the draft scheme in light of the results of the trial pits and the Quantity Surveyor will prepare a cost estimate of this revised scheme.
CHURCH PLAN
Click on the link below to download a copy of the church plan which sets out the shared vision for the future of the church.
Church plans are a living document which combines information on the church’s history and its current use, outlines maintenance and repair needs, combines this with feedback and recommendations from the community, and concludes with an action plan setting out agreed short, medium and long term goals to support the sustainable use and care 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!
