Benefice of Bratton Edington Erlestoke Coulston

text version

Homepage

Bratton

Coulston

Coulston Saint Thomas of Canterbury

PARISH OF COULSTON, SAINT THOMAS OF CANTERBURY (Parliamentary Electoral Roll number: 126, Church Electoral Roll Number: 22) The village of Coulston is set in a lovely rural surroundings just north of the B3098 road, and is an attractive village with a mix of sixty- five old and new houses. Of the four parishes in the benefice it is the smallest (population about 150). There is no shop or pub so the Church and the Village Hall combine to provide a community focus, with village suppers, Christmas bazaars and plant sales taking place in the village Hall – all of which are well attended. It is a friendly place with a good neighbourly atmosphere and an interesting mix in both age and skills. Coulston falls within the area designated for Holy Trinity CofE Aided Primary School at Great Cheverell (in a neighbouring benefice).

Web : http://www.achurchnearyou.com/9680 The church building is Norman in origin, and its churchyard, has been lovingly cared for over the years. The dedication of the Church was to Saint Andrew but for the last 200 years has been known as the Church of Saint Thomas of Canterbury; although, locally, it is more often referred to as Saint Thomas à Becket (perhaps out of deference to the Beckett family, who were considerable landowners in the area for many years after the Reformation!). There are two Services of Parish Communion a month, both from Common Worship and attended by about twenty-five people.