Home Health & Healing Exhibition History of Heritage Centre
Visiting with Children Accessibility Warren Hastings William Smith Contact
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCHILL HERITAGE CENTRE |
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Churchill Heritage Centre "The Old Church"
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The 'lost' village is a favourite view for artists |
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Churchill’s Heritage Centre is housed in the remains of the old medieval church of the village. It overlooks the site of the ‘lost’ village which was destroyed by fire in 1684. The old church fell into disrepair after the new All Saints' Church was built in 1826 (consecrated 1827) in the centre of the new village. The chancel was retained and used as a mortuary chapel and to house the memorials, but its condition deteriorated and demolition was threatened in the 1980s. A Preservation Society was formed in 1988 to fight for its survival as the last medieval building in Churchill and, thanks to fund-raising and grants, over £30,000 was spent to restore the roof and building. The Heritage Centre opened in 2001 in the restored chancel and is now home to a collection of maps and historical records of the village from 1600 to the present. There are temporary exhibitions and comprehensive information about the two eminent sons of the village, Warren Hastings, First Governor-General of India (1732-1818) and geologist William Smith (1769-1839). In 2010 the Heritage Centre was awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund grant to enable work on the maintenance of the building, enhance the displays and extend the projects of the centre. The Centre attracts visitors from all over the world, as well as local residents. Its situation is especially picturesque with views across the Swail brook valley and the Cotswold ridge and it is a favourite venue for artists.
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