Corsham Church
This place has been a centre of Christian worship for over one thousand years. There was certainly a Saxon church on this site long before the Normans invaded England in 1066 A.D. It is recorded that William the Conqueror granted the church at Corsham to tbe Abbey of St. Stephen at Caen in Normandy. The present building dates from the middle of the twelfth century, but there have been many changes and additions since then, ending with a major restoration in Victorian times. Read more in our church guide.
St. Bart's Sunday School, Corsham
Sunday School is open from 9.45am until 11am at Church House, Church Street, Corsham.
The topics for Winter Term 2010 are as follows:
- 31st Jan: Moses
- 7th Feb: Ruth
- 14th Feb: Breakfast Club and Gideon
- 21st Feb: Daniel
- 7th March: Preparation for Mothering Sunday (craft activity to include card making and baking)
- 21st March: Preparation for Palm Sunday (craft activity to include the making of ceramic crosses)
- 28th March (Palm Sunday): Preparation for Easter
All children are welcome. If you would like to know more about Corsham Sunday School, please contact Val Hodges on (01249) 714064.
St. Bart's Youth Group
The Youth Group will meet at 4pm in St Bart's church on 21 Feb, and 7 & 21 Mar and is open to all school year 7 and above. We hope to run a trip on the 21 Mar but this will be decided nearer to the time.
St. Bart's Spire Appeal
Over the centuries bits have been added to the church, sometimes bits taken away and many repairs. Now we need to do some major repairs and some improvements. The stonework on the tower is crumbling—we already have netting to prevent falling stones hurting people below—and the spire needs to be re-pointed as it is letting in water which causes further damage. We have damage to the stonework around some of the windows, so they are at risk too. In addition, we want to improve the facilities at the church by installing a toilet and an area for serving teas and coffees.
This ambitious project will cost £250,000 and we need your help. For generations, the church has presided over Corsham Park and the many happy hours spent there by children at play, dog walkers and those simply out for a breath of fresh air. Many service men and women and their families have fond memories of their time in Corsham. Others have admired the church as part of its quintessentially English setting. Whatever, if you remember St Bartholomew’s, please support our appeal as we strive to preserve its fabric and role in the 21st Century.
See our Spire Appeal page for details on how you can help.
Where to Find Us
St. Bart’s church is located next to Corsham Court, at the end of Church Street, Corsham (postcode: SN13 0BY). You can view the location of St. Bart’s church on Google Maps.
Car Parking
The owners of Corsham Court kindly allow church visitors to use the square in front of the church for car parking. On dry days, the Avenue (next to the square) is also open for parking. On Sundays, additional parking is available in Church Street and in the surrounding roads without restriction (but do check this yourself). The main car parks in Corsham are a few minutes’ walk away and are—at least at the time of writing—free to use on Sundays.
Visiting St. Bart’s Church
The church is open for visitors every day during daylight hours.
Monthly Pattern of Services at Corsham
The usual monthly pattern of services for Corsham church is shown below. This can vary on special occasions, so be sure to view the church services page.
| Week | 8.00 am | 9.00 am | 10.00 am | 6.00 pm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Holy Communion | Parish Communion | Evensong | |
| Week 2 | Holy Communion | Early Bird Service | Morning Worship | Holy Communion |
| Week 3 | Holy Communion | Parish Communion | Evening Worship | |
| Week 4 | Holy Communion | Family Service | Evensong | |
| Week 5 | Holy Communion | Matins | Evensong |
Corsham Church Choir
The Choir at Corsham Church sing at the 10:00 am service every Sunday and on other occasions, such as weddings. If you enjoy singing, or would like to learn, you are welcome to join us. There is no audition. Choir practice is an hour on Fridays, starting at 7:00 pm. We currently have three tenors, two basses, three altos and around a dozen sopranos. If you’d like to hear us before deciding, why not attend the 10.00 am service one Sunday?
The Organists are Mr Robin Jackson FRCO (Choir Master) and Mrs Maureen Jackson, both of 10 The Cleeve, Corsham, SN13 9JG. Tel. (01249) 713809.
Corsham Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade
The Brigade is the Church of England’s national uniformed youth organisation, with different groups for ages between 5 and 18. Its mission is to extend the kingdom of Christ among lads and girls and to encourage faithful membership of the Church of England. The Corsham company meets every Wednesday evening in Church House, Church Street, Corsham for badge work and craft activities, sports and games. There are regular camps and outings.
The Corsham company leader is Capt. John Price, 21 Danvers Road, Corsham, SN13 9LS. Tel. (01249) 713016.
If you are interested in joining us, or know someone who might be, please give John and Teresa Price a call on (01249) 713016.
Corsham Bell Ringers
Rings for Sunday morning services, weddings and special events. Its mission is to further the art of church bell ringing. The group is a member of the Gloucester and Bristol Diocesan Association of Ringers, which is “part” of the Central Council of Churchbell Ringers.
Age range 10–90 years. Bell ringing practice is on Wednesday evenings at 8:00pm.
For more information contact Mr Richard Heath, 46 Pickwick Road, Corsham, SN13 9BX. Tel. (01249) 715112.
Mothers’ Union
The Mothers’ Union is an international Anglican society. Its mission is the advancement of the Christian religion in the sphere of marriage and family life. Membership is open to all who have been baptised in the name of the Holy Trinity and declare their support of the aim and objects of the society. The Corsham branch meets in Church House, Church Street, Corsham at 2:30pm on the first Wednesday of each month.
The branch leader is Mrs Shirley Green, 30a Saunders Grove, Corsham, SN13 9XG. Tel. (01249) 714096.
Spring Spirit
Spring Spirit is the official monthly magazine of the Corsham churches and has regular contributions from the Women’s Institute, St Bart’s Mothers’ Union, Corsham Gardeners’ Society and the Over 60s Club amongst others. There’s even news from the Knitting and Crochet Group and the Corsham Disabled Club. The magazine includes a monthly Parish Diary, so there’s no need to miss out on any of the activities. Hugh Campbell is the Distribution Manager and can be contacted on (01249) 716131.
St Bart's Men's Group
The group meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 8.00pm in the Royal Oak, High St, Corsham. The topics covered in the informal meetings are many and various and are open to all men, not just church members. There is a nominal admission charge of a minimum of 50p to help cover costs.
Programme for 2010
- March 22nd 'Cultural Differences Between the USA and Australia' Rev. Ray Lowe
- April 26th Issues in Community Policing Lauren Bishop-Bailey Community Police
- May 24th Safer Driving Jeff Ashwell
- June 28th .....Guided Waliking Tour of Bath...meet in the Abbey Churchyard at 7.00pm with Audrey Wood (Lord Mayor's Honorary Guide)
- July 26 Informal meeting in the Royal Oak bar
- August...no meeting
- September 27 An armchair journey down the Kennet and Avon canal Michael Horseman
- October 25th 'Hands on the GWR' artefacts from Steam Museum
- November 22nd Men's Health Dr David MacArthur (Porch Surgery)
Corsham Church Hall for Hire
Church House in Church Street, Corsham (postcode: SN13 0BY) is our church hall and can accommodate up to 50 people. Proceeds help the house and church. If you would like to discuss hiring the hall, please call contact Mrs Phyl Fry on (01249) 712069.
Local Links
Corsham Town Council