St. Mary's, Littleton
St Mary de Malmesbury, Littleton-on-Severn
Scroll down the page for details of the Harvest Festival & Harvest Supper Celebration 2008!
History of St. Mary de Malmesbury
The existing church in Littleton is first mentioned when the Abbot of Malmesbury held an annual Court Leet here under a licence granted to him by King Edward the Martyr (975-979). (Malmesbury Abbey is one of the oldest in the country and dates from 680AD.) In the reign of Ethelrede Unrede (979-1013), half-brother of Edward, a grant was made to his thegn, Wenoth, of a parcel of land valued at five hides, named Lytletun. The document was signed by Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury, Oswald, Bishop of Worcester and many other bishops, earls and thegns. Its boundaries were delineated then, and are still recognisable today. A copy can be found in the British Museum and a translation by Dr. G.B. Grundy in "Saxon Charters and Field Names of Gloucestershire".
In the Domesday Book compiled in Gloucester in 1085-1086, it states that the Church of St. Mary de Malmesbury, Littletona is in the Langlei hundred, having a priest and thirty acres of meadow.
By the 12th century, the original wooden church was replaced by one of stone. The font and piscena near the altar date from that period. Around the font are a number of heraldic encaustic tiles retrieved from the ruins of Thornbury Castle in 1521. During the rebuilding of the church wall in 2006, some fragments were discovered that had been discarded by the 16th century builders. The tiles illustrate symbols from Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham's family. A more detailed account of these tiles and the history of the church is being re-written.
There is a lot of oral history about Littleton upon Severn Church and village. One states that a footpath exists between Littleton and Malmesbury Abbey which the monks used when visiting the church to take the Eucharist three or four times a year. People in the parish are intending to plot and walk this route. One monk in particular met a sad end when he was hit on the head and murdered and the chalice he was carrying was stolen. A well nearby in Hay Wood was supposed to have run red as blood.
Another story tells of a tunnel existing between Rock House Farm and the church that was used during the Reformation in the 16th century, when Littleton remained secretly Catholic for a hundred years after the rest of England. The stone church has fallen down at least three times during its long history. During one of these periods of neglect, the local Quakers looked after any valuables the church had for a hundred years, until the parish had enough money and manpower to rebuild it.
Small nibs can be seen around all the windows in the church where blackout blinds were secured during the 1939-1945 World War. Candles would have been still in use then, as the village didn't have electricity or piped water until 1954.
When the Rev. Norman Spencer was Priest in Charge in Littleton, he heard that the Blind School in Henleaze, Bristol was to be demolished. He often took services in the Chapel there and knew that the Altar cross and candle sticks needed a new home. He brought them to Littleton in 1979 where they remain.
Although Littleton upon Severn is a small hamlet of 60 houses and 150 people, the community worked together to raise the money to re-roof the church in 2004-2006. Five carved stone crosses on the roof and tower were replaced. The overall fabric of this Grade 2 listed building and its graveyard is kept in good order by a dedicated and supportive village.
Services
Littleton is in United Benefice with Alveston and Elberton and so we share our services and personnel but there is always a church service being held every Sunday within 3 miles distance. People are always welcome to join any of our services or special celebrations.
First Sunday every month: Communion with the Rev. David Pole
Third Sunday every month: Matins with Reader Don Streatfield
Harvest Festival & Harvest Supper Celebration 2008
Harvest Festival Service on Saturday 20th September at 6pm in the church followed by
Harvest Supper in the Village Hall at 7pm
The Rev. Dave Pole has encouraged us to change the normal Sunday for a church service to a Saturday to help people with young families enjoy the Harvest Supper without the worry of school the following morning. We hope you will support Dave by attending the Harvest Festival church service, which includes the Alveston Music Group, and then "Come on down" to the American Supper in the Village Hall afterwards. While eating we will be entertained by The Alveston Music Group, "This and That" and "The Fetlers" playing some of their best loved music.
All of us are concerned about the plight of children living in poverty and so with this in mind we will be collecting tinned and non-perishable goods for Sister Annalise of the Sisters of the Church, Ashley Road, Bristol. They distribute food parcels in the Bristol area all through the year. Please bring your donations to the Village Hall, or give them to any PCC member. The church will also be donating £25 to "The Forecastle" hostel in Down Road, Alveston. We are always pleased to have details about a charity that people would like us to support.
Lyn Carnaby, Churchwarden (412097), Colin Gwyther, Maureen Moras, Tim Pyper, Dave Watkins, Don Streatfield & Rev. Dave Pole
