Church of St Candida and Holy Cross, Whitchurch Canonicorum

The Church of St Candida and Holy Cross is a medieval building with a 15th-century west tower and a Norman entrance doorway. The structure displays fine stone carving throughout and retains architectural elements from different periods of its long history.

A religious building first stood on this site around 881, and Benedictine monks rebuilt and enlarged it around 1150. These early foundations shaped what visitors see today.

The church is named after St Candida, a local saint whose memory remains woven into community life and worship here. Visitors can observe how the congregation gathers and maintains traditions that connect them to this place.

The location is easily accessible in a rural village setting and welcomes visitors interested in architecture and history. Plan to spend time examining the interior furnishings and the building's exterior details.

The building holds one of England's rare surviving medieval shrines, containing the relics of St Wite. These remains rest in a stone coffin carved from Purbeck marble, making this a truly exceptional place.

Location: Whitchurch Canonicorum

Inception: 12 century

Architectural style: English Gothic architecture

GPS coordinates: 50.75543,-2.85648

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:06