St Aldhelm's Roman Catholic Church, Malmesbury

The church was founded in 1875 by French priest Francois Larive MSFS, who was the first Missionary of St Francis de Sales to work in England. The idea of founding a church in Malmesbury was given to him by Captain Charles Goddard Dewell of the 91st Argyllshire Regiment of Foot, who was born and raised in Malmesbury. The two met in 1858 while Dewell was posted to the village of Kamptee in India; he had recently been baptised into the Roman Catholic Church after being converted to Catholicism following falling ill while serving in Italy. He wanted to start a church in his home town, so after much discussion with Larive, the two decided to set up a church in Malmesbury. In 1861, Larive and…

St Aldhelm's Roman Catholic Church is built in uncoursed stone with ashlar dressings, in 14th-century gothic style. It is set back from Cross Hayes, the town's former marketplace (now a car park), to which it presents its west façade where a large two-light trefoil-headed window is flanked by two plain lancets. Immediately south of the courtyard is the presbytery. The Grade II listed building incorporates a single-storey 19th-century former stable to Cross Hayes House, built in squared limestone, with a later rear extension in limestone rubble. The church has seen an increase in visitors since May 2024, when it was announced that Acutis would be canonised. In 2023, planning permission was…