St Michael and All Angels Church, Enborne

Open for all

If you haven’t discovered the beautiful and historic church of St Michael’s, then you have missed a local gem. Less than three miles from the centre of Newbury and opposite the gates of Hamstead Park, the ancient parish church of St Michael and All Angels in Enborne is definitely worth a visit. The church is open in daylight hours and welcomes visitors to come and find a sanctuary in the busyness of life. As someone wrote in the visitors’ book – ‘Such a beautiful old church, so peaceful – filled with spirit.’

Sunday worship

Services are held twice a month usually at 11am.

Details of upcoming services can be found in our weekly newsletter here.

Forest Church

This outdoor service attracts around 40-50 people for informal reflection and worship in the beautiful setting of Enborne churchyard looking out towards Beacon Hill.

Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals

Please contact the Benefice Office with any enquiries on 01635 41249.

Church and School Link

We have a strong link between the church and Enborne Church of England Primary School where Revd Becky Bevan is a Foundation Governor. School services take place at St Michael’s once a term and clergy lead fortnightly collective worship in school. Find out more about Enborne Primary School here.

Heritage and History

The church dates from at least the 12th century, so it is of Norman or Saxon origin, built years before even Salisbury Cathedral was completed. Among the treasures of the church are its 12^th century font, double piscine and a wall painting of the Annunciation dated 1316. The bell tower houses the famous Michael Bell which dates from 1260, making it one of the oldest (possibly the oldest) bell in any church in England.

A beautiful setting

Surrounding the church is a large and open churchyard where generations of Enborne people have been buried and their families continue to visit graves. Many of the fallen from the first Battle of Newbury in the 17th Century English Civil War are laid to rest in its grounds. From the south side of the churchyard there are marvellous views towards Beacon Hill. And surrounding the churchyard on its west boundary are grapevines used to make the acclaimed All Angels sparkling wine, named after the Church. Walkers visiting Hamstead Park can find a quiet place to sit and savour the views, and in the spring and summer to enjoy the bulbs, blossom and wildflowers.

Looking to the future

As is the case with many village churches, St Michaels and All Angels has a small but faithful congregation who work hard to keep the church open and well maintained. But as the current congregation look to the future, they know that a more sustainable plan needs to be found to ensure that the church can continue to be used and enjoyed by future generations. So, since 2021, a new relationship has been developed with St George’s and St John’s to explore how all three parishes can work together in one benefice supporting community, cultural and spiritual life in South Newbury.

If you would like to receive news and updates about St Michael’s and participate in this new chapter then we would love to hear from you. Contact the South Newbury Benefice Office on 01635 41249 or email office@stg-stj.org.uk.