Medieval St Andrew's church showing the hand-made roof tiles, now in urgent need of repair.
Side view of St Andrew's showing the yews towards the back of the churchyard
Situated on Tadpole Lane in the Blunsdon St Andrew Conservation Area, this unique little medieval church dates back to the 13th century, a record dated 1281 lists it as Bluntesdon Seynt Andreu. Blunsdon apparently means Blunt's Hill (from early English 'dun') and refers to an early Lord of the Manor.There are two mature yews in the churchyard and I sensed a spring or stream nearby but didn't find it on this occasion.
The little church has recently been awarded a £100,000 grant from English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund to repair and replace the hand-made roof tiles which were designed by architect William Butterfield in the 1860s.
Thank you to Caroline (and Millie, the dog) for showing me this atmospheric and hidden little corner of Swindon's history.
