A journey through time: Bremhill’s everyday histories

From 11-20 September, churches throughout our diocese are opening their doors and offering tours as part of Heritage Open Days under the theme ‘Everyday histories’.

St Martin’s Church, Bremhill is celebrating its long Christian history through examples of medieval craftsmanship (including its intricately carved pew ends, pictured) and the lives of the people who shaped the community across the centuries.

The local gravedigger will share insights into the lives and stories of those buried in the graveyard. One grave belongs to a WWI soldier who saved the lives of 2,000 people and was awarded the Military Cross; another is that of  Edmond George Petty‑Fitzmaurice, who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer and later Home Secretary.

Visitors will encounter the succession of vicars who shaped the parish’s spiritual identity, including  Revd Benjamin D’Arandé, the first Anglican vicar of Bremhill, who guided the church through the Reformation.

There will also be a rare opportunity to view copies of the historic church registers. Join St Martin’s, Bremhill, SN11 9LA on Saturday 19 September, from 10:00-16:00.