St. Matthew, Rowde, Wiltshire

Description

The church is a peaceful haven found in the heart of the village, surrounded by a large churchyard. A priest in Rowde was recorded in the Doomsday book in 1086 with a complete list of priests available from 1216 on the vicar’s board. The magnificent tower of 1400 still survives. A momentous event was the collapse of the nave in 1830. The font was given by Rowde-born architect Sir Matthew Digby Wyatt, a notable engineer and architect, who went on to design Paddington Station.

St Matthews sits in the middle of the village, but inside it is tranquil, allowing space to distance oneself from everyday life. There is an applique banner in the corner of the church, designed as an aid for pilgrims.

The church is part of the parish of Bromham and Sandy Lane. There is a 5 mile pilgrimage trail from Sandy Lane, via Bromham to Rowde (all SPPs). Walkers will experience the rich variety of the Wiltshire countryside as they walk through woods, fields of cauliflowers and pasture - take time to pause and reflect at the beauty of God’s creation.

Standard opening times:
The church is open 10-4 every day. Regular services are on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 10am.

Location

High Street, Rowde, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 2NB, United Kingdom

Directions

Grid reference: ST977626
By car: Rowde is 2 miles from Devizes. From Devizes follow the A342 towards Calne. After 2 miles you have reached Rowde. Turn left into Marsh Lane, then right into Rowde Court Road. Continue past St Matthews Close. The back entrance to the churchyard is on your right.
Public transport: Regular bus service Faresaver 33 Devizes/Calne/Chippenham
On foot: There is a pilgrimage walk between the three churches in the benefice (all SPPs), from St Mary and St Nicholas Sandy Lane, to St Nicholas Bromham, finishing at St Matthews, Rowde. A walk leaflet is available in all 3 churches.

Facilities

Level access into the churchyard from the back gate on Rowde Court Road. There is a ramp into the church. Accessible toilet inside the church.
Pub lunches from the George and Dragon Pub nearby. Rowdey Cow on the edge of the village serves delicious food and ice cream.

Hospitaller/Contact Person

Maureen Hiscock,
Rowde

Tel: 01380 699521

Web Link

https://achurchnearyou.com/church/9690/

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