St John the Baptist

It is possible that there has been a church on this site since Saxon times, as it is known that there was an abbey in Tisbury in the 7th century.

The church is of late 12th century origin although little of that period remains except for the crossing and parts of the transept walls. However, references to an 8th century abbot of Tisbury imply that earlier ecclesiastical buildings pre-date the church by several centuries. Tisbury has existed since at least 759AD. The ancient yew tree, being more than 1,000 years old, would have been sacred to Celtic and Saxon traditions.King Alfred built Shaftesbury Abbey in the year 888. The village and church at Tisbury were granted by Ethelred to the Abbess of Shaston (Shaftesbury) in AD 984. She looked after it until the dissolution of the Abbey in 1539. The church as a result of their presence is large for a village.

The Doomsday Book calls Tisbury - Tisseberie: Abbess of Shaftesbury. 4 mills. Population of some 300.

The lofty chancel is of the 'Decorated' period replacing a more modest earlier example. This is were the new five lancet east window is located. The lower stage of the tower is "Transitional Norman," almost "Early English," and dates from about 1180-1200. The Victorian period inevitably saw many changes to the church. Changes in the 20th century have continued to safeguard the fabric and reflect the changing needs of the church community. In 1925 serious deterioration was discovered in the tower resulting in major repairs in the following years, rehanging of the bells and the replacement of the clock.

Members of the Arundell family of nearby Wardour Castle are buried in the chancel, including Lady Blanche, who defended the castle against Parliamentary forces for nine days in 1643. She had 25 men; the Parliamentary force was 1,300. Saint John's church, having been a feature of Tisbury life going back centuries. Now it serves several purposes, from our regular services to children's workshops, exhibitions and concerts.

In the 1970s below the central crossing, under the central tower, a new altar brought services into a much closer intimacy with the congregation. The chancel was converted into the Chapel of St Andrew, in memory of the St Andrew's Chapel of Ease at West Tisbury, which was de-licensed at that time. The medieval altar made of Chilmark stone was found in the crypt, and has recently been reset in the Lady Chapel. Some of the old woodwork in the church was taken from other churches in the area and reworked into our pews. St Andrew’s Chapel provides a more intimate setting for some services and smaller concerts, the acoustic in here is especially good.

We have a Father Willis organ, located in the south aisle, as well as a small organ, that came from the Chapel of Ease at Newtown, located in the chancel.

During the summer and autumn of 2024 the new East Window was installed. It was dedicated by the Dean of Salisbury Cathedral in February 2025. The theme is “ Seeing ”. Seeing the Glory of God; epiphanies in ordinary and extraordinary moments in life. This is expressed in the centre of the window in the story of the Transfiguration of Christ, divinity seen amongst us.

Whatever your reason to step inside this lovely building, we hope you too will feel its peace and its welcome to all who come to join us here.