Country Churches

90. St Leonards Grateley

This 12th century church with its massive tower and impressive clock stands beside a farm not far from Quarley Hill. The village itself is famous for the fact that King Athelstan held a Council here in 925, attended by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and enacted the first code of laws to cover the whole of England.

Of the original church only the nave remains, the chancel and belfry dating from 100 years later. The porch dates from 1738. Above the door is a sun dial inscribed 'Life but a walking shadow' a gift of William Benson Earle in 1785.

A lovely peaceful atmosphere pervades this church. In the north wall opposite the entrance is a lancet of 1912 depicting St Leonard, the patron saint of prisoners, holding a chain and manacle. Just below is an interesting tapestry presented by the Mayor of Test Valley Borough Council in 1991. This shows views of the three parishes of Monxton, Grateley and Amport, such as the churches, manor houses and other country scenes. All the pews on the north side are boldly inscribed "FREE", an interesting throw-back to earlier centuries when pew rents were often charged to parishioners.

The ancient tub font looks early Norman, or even Saxon, and was found at Manor Farm. On the rood beam in front of the chancel is a fine Calvary presented to the church in 1934. Beside the pulpit is an iron bracket on the wall which once held a sand filled hour glass used to time the length of the sermon.

Opposite, a window in the south wall contains 13th century glass rescued from Salisbury Cathedral in 1707 by William Earle when the cathedral architect threw out much of the medieval glass. One fragment depicts the Angel Gabriel and St Stephen being stoned by two men with villainous faces. Inscribed are the words 'Stephs Orans Expirat' ™ Stephen prays whilst dying.

In contrast the east window is of plain hand-made glass apart from a centre roundel showing the Resurrection, which was donated in 1864. Near the altar rails are to be found some 66 ancient floor tiles of reddish colour.

On the west wall are boards listing the ten Commandments, the Lords Prayer and the Creed. Above there is a board of Bequests made to the church.

June 6 1707 Richard Pyle left 15 shillings yearly 'for 1 great coat'

January 4 1796 William Benson Earle left the interest on 300 guineas for 'beef, cheese and potatoes for the poorest families' and 1 guinea to the clerk for cleaning and repairing with flowers Joanna Elton's grave.' A final bequest left the interest on 100 guineas for 'the instruction of the children of the parish.'

This small peaceful village church with its old banqueting hall style timbered roof possesses great charm and should not be missed by any visitor to the Andover area.

John Symonds