Calne and Blackland Parish embraces the growing market town of Calne, along with the village of Blackland which lies to the south east of Calne. The Parish serves both town and farming communities.
The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin stands proudly on the site of an earlier Saxon Minster. Its outer appearance, a skilful blend of stone masons’ art of five centuries, is Perpendicular, a feast of embattled parapets and pinnacles. A mighty 17th Century North Transept Tower replaces the fallen crossing tower.
Exploring the interior reveals a transitional Norman Nave surmounted by the 15th Century clerestory covered by a superb wooden roof of the same date. The many treasures of the church range from an early Elizabethan chest to fine early twentieth century Art and Craft screens. In 1996, the Parish celebrated the 750th anniversary of St. Edmund, a former Vicar of Calne, who became Archbishop of Canterbury in 1246.
Services
St Marys Sunday Services are at 8.00 am; 10.00 am, and Evensong (6pm).
Weekday services are at:
Morning prayer - 8.30am daily.
Evening prayer. 5pm Monday to Saturday.
Every Wednesday - 10:00am Holy Communion
Every Friday - 12:00 Noon. Holy Communion.
Friends of St Marys
There is an active Friends of St Marys charity which seeks to raise funds to preserve this historic and beautiful building for the benefit of everyone, in this and future generations. Please enquire at Church House for further details.
Contact Details
Mill Street, Calne
tel: 01249 816522
www: www.parishofcalneandblackland.org.uk
