Listed Building record MDO27686 - Parish church of St Candida and Holy Cross, Whitchurch Canonicorum

The church has material of twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth-century date, with modern additions and restorations. Documentary evidence suggests the presence of a Saxon minster built around 897 which became a Benedictine Cell.

(SY 39689544). The church of St White, or Candida, and Holy Cross was built by King Alfred about 897. About 1060, the church became a cell of the Benedictine Abbey of St Wandragesil (now St Wandrille) in Normandy, under the name of Album Monasterium. The connection lasted about 140 years, during which time the monks rebuilt King Alfred's church on a larger scale. The cell was surrendered to the church of Old Sarum and the right of presentation to the rectory passed to Sir Robert de Mandevil, apparently on his undertaking to complete the unfinished work of the abbots. This accounts for the different styles of architecture. <1-3> About this time of the death of William I the church with its advowson was made over to the Abbot & Monks of the Abbey of St Wandragesil. There is some evidence that this donation was made by Edward the Confessor and later confirmed by William. However, towards the end of the eleventh century the Saxon church was demolished and its rebuilding in Norman style was begun, doubtless by the monks of St Wandregesil. <4> The earliest parts of the existing church are the three middle bays of the south arcade of the nave and corresponding parts of the south aisle which date from late in the 12th century. <5> No remains of the Saxon church are now to be seen. Although the church and advowson were made over to the alien abbey, there is no evidence to confirm the statement that a cell existed here and since the site is not mentioned by authorities 4 and 5 the establishment of a cell appears to be doubtful. Description of remains by authority 5 correct. A considerable number of Roman bricks are incorporated in the external rubble masonry of the north wall of the chancel, the north transept, and under the NE and SE corners of the rebuilt east wall of the church. <6> Whitchurch Canonicorum Church (St Candida and the Holy Cross). Plan of chancel, transepts, nave with North and South aisles, South porch and vestry, West tower. <8> Built into the internal south wall at the East end of the South aisle, is a fragment with two circular panels with rosettes . These are probably late 11th century. <9> Listed as a probable minster. Documentary evidence suggests the presence of a Saxon minster built circa 897 which became a Benedictine Cell. <12>

Record last edited

Dec 17 2022 7:57AM