St Mary's Church, Old Dilton
St Mary's Church in Old Dilton, Wiltshire, England was built in the 14th century. It is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building, and is now a redundant church in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. It was declared redundant on 26 April 1973, and was vested in the Trust on 6 September 1974.
The church, which is close to the River Biss, consists of a nave, chancel, north chapel north aisle and vestry. The gabled south porch is believed to survive from an earlier 14th century building, however the rest of the fabric is 15th century. It has small stone spire at the western end.
The interior of the church was renovated in the 18th century and includes box pews, a three-decker pulpit, and two small galleries. The gallery over the north side of the chancel was used as a schoolroom and has a fireplace. The octagonal stone font is from the 15th century and the Royal Arms of George III can be seen in the chancel.
The church has no electricity supply.
Conservation work took place in the 1930s and 1950s, funded by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. The population of Old Dilton declined as residents moved to Dilton Marsh and the church became redundant, however it remains consecrated and the fabric is maintained by the Churches Conservation Trust. Since 2000 further restoration work has tried to resolve issues caused by damp, brown rot, cellar rot and weevils, including the installation of new drains and gutters. Two services are held at the church each year.
