The Church of England Parish Church of St Mary was begun before the 1066 conquest.[1]Pevsner described its chancel as "Norman in its bones" and wrote that its 17th-century plaster decoration, a "surprise and delight", "ought to be the purpose of a visit from every Wiltshire tourist".[2]
The church was extended in the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries, with a large tower added in the 15th. Plasterwork in the chancel depicting biblical scenes was designed in about 1639 by Dean Christopher Wren.[3] Five of the six bells are from the 18th century.[4] The building was further extended in the 19th century, along with restoration in 1845 by Wyatt and Brandon, and interior alterations in 1875-6 by Sir Arthur Blomfield.
The church was declared Grade I listed in 1966.[3] Since 2008,[5] the ecclesiastical parish forms part of the benefice of St Bartholomew, a group of six parishes.[6]
St Mary's had a chapelry at Hindon from the 13th century. Hindon became a separate vicarage in 1869.[7]
Notable rectors
Christopher Wren (1589–1658) was rector of East Knoyle from 1623.[8][9] He married Mary Cox, daughter of Richard Cox of Fonthill Bishop. Their children were all born at the parsonage house, including in 1632 Christopher, who would become a prominent architect. After Christopher senior was appointed Dean of Windsor in 1635, the family spent part of each year there.[10]
