Stratton-on-the-Fosse: St Vigor

The Anglican Church of St Vigor in Stratton-on-the-Fosse has been designated as a Grade I listed building.  It reputedly dates from the years following the Conquest through Saxon and Norman times with the Manor of Stratton ultimately passing around 1204 to a Norman family called Sancto Vigore, who came originally from the village of Saint-Vigor-le-Grand, Normandy. It is assumed that the church was dedicated by the Sancto Vigore family during a time of rebuilding from a possible simple Saxon or Norman church. The church is thought to have undergone minor work in 14th century, much rebuilt 15th and 16th centuries with further rebuilding in late 18th century and restoration in the 19th century. The chancel is said to have been rebuilt in 1765 and the north aisle in 1782. The Western Gazette of Fri 4 Jun 1880 reported on the re-opening of the church following restoration. The Central Somerset Gazette of Fri 23 May 1930 has “The organ in Stratton-on-the-Fosse church has had a curious history. It was originally made for George IV. for the Brighton Pavilion, but after his death it was bought for use in the old chapel of Downside Abbey. There it remained until 1903, when the new Downside was finished, and was then bought by Stratton church. The original Norman church, which has an apsidal chancel, was much altered in the early Perpendicular period, but the existing chancel is relatively modern.”

St. Vigor's Church forms a joint benefice with St. John's in nearby Chilcompton, and falls within the archdeaconry of Bath.