Gloucestshire Church Trails - Bourton-on-the-Water

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	Bourton-on-the-Water, St. Lawrence The welcoming church at the centre of the trail. On this site, once occupied by a Roman temple, there have been Christian churches since 709 AD. The earliest visible part is the Chancel built in 1328 over the Crypt of 1120. The tower dates from 1784 and the Nave and Porch from 1875 - 91. Although modem, the King Post Nave Roof is one of the finest in Gloucestershire. The fine decorated Chancel ceiling of 1928 with crests of patrons is noteworthy. There is a ring of eight bells (oldest 1650) and a Carillon playing hymn tunes every three hours.
Lower Slaughter, St. Mary An attractive and well-visited village, people often comment on the quiet beauty and spacious harmony of the church. The arches between the Nave and South Aisle are 13th century. Outstanding craftsmanship is displayed in the Reredos placed here in 1910. One of the six bells is probably 15th century; another bears the Royal arms of Charles II. Brass memorials mainly commemorate the Whitmore family, Lords of the Manor from early in the 17th century until the early 1960s when the village was opened up by property developers.
	Upper Slaughter, St. Peter The churchyard, with many early tomb-stones, is generally at a higher level than the church. The pinnacled top of the Tower is 15th century. There is some interesting Norman stonework which has survived two 19th century alterations. There is a good 19th century copy of an earlier Font. The arch at the base of the Tower is especially noteworthy. There are 13th century monuments to the Slaughter family and two memorials to 19th century rectors: also excerpts from the dairies of one of them.
Clapton-on-the-Hill, St. James People have worshipped for almost 800 years in this small, simple, country church. A very attractive building, with a square set campanile. It is centrally situated in this exposed Cotswold village. There are several1ih and 13th century features to focus the attention - including a tiny lancet window above the Altar; and its most ancient feature, a carved indulgence in the spring of the Chancel arch, a rarity in Gloucestershire. Visitors comment on the peaceful and prayerful atmosphere.
	Cold Aston, St. Andrew The first church on this site was c .904 AD. There are many Saxon fragments incorporated into the west wall of the Porch (shown below). Norman work includes Roof Corbels with faces, the South Doorway and the blocked North Doorway. There are only four other churches in Gloucestershire with a windowless wall over the Altar. The 14th century Easter Sepulchre is also rare in this part of the country. Interesting monuments include Gile Carter (1664) and Samuel Ellyott, a former vicar. Cold Aston is also know as Aston Blank. An early recorded name is Aston Frigida.

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