Church of St John the Baptist, Mongewell

2013-06-26

A romantic ruin by the Thames

This romantic partial ruin is set in attractive grounds on the east back of the Thames, in the grounds of the former Carmel College. The Ridgeway Path passes close to the church making it a pleasant place to stop during a walk.

It now consists of a small chancel of Norman origin, ruined nave walls and a slender west brick tower dating from Shute Barrington’s picturesque Gothic restoration in the late 18th century.

In the chancel are two lively early 18th century monuments including an exotic sculptured tomb featuring 'a man of sensibility’ reclining in Eastern costume and a turban.