Church of St Mary, Driffield
Church / AbbeyVisit

St Mary

in Driffield

📷 Photo by Brian Robert Marshall · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

St Mary in the village of Latton is well worth seeking out if you're traveling through the southern Cotswolds.

This is a Norman church that genuinely impresses once you get inside. The standout features are the 12th-century south doorway and chancel arch, both displaying the kind of detailed stone carving that speaks to real craftsmanship. You can see how the building evolved over time too, particularly with the 15th-century tower that was added when the church needed expanding.

One of the most interesting aspects is understanding the church's historical relationship with Cirencester Abbey nearby. That connection really helps you grasp how deeply religious institutions shaped this whole region. The abbey's influence extended into villages like this, and you can almost feel that history in the fabric of the building.

Latton itself is a small, quiet village, but its position is actually quite handy. Cirencester is just a short drive away and worth a separate visit for its market and Roman archaeology. Malmesbury, another substantial historic town, is similarly close by. You can easily combine a stop here with exploring the broader area straddling the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire border. Whether you're genuinely interested in church architecture or just need somewhere peaceful to pause during your travels, this is a genuine discovery that rewards the effort to find it.

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51.69659°N, 1.89340°W Data: osm