One of England's best churches featured in Channel 4 documentary

Simon Jenkins in front of the St Mary's Tryptch during filming in June. The screens showing the family tree in 1718 fold back to reveal Sir John St John and his wife Ann with their children kneeling on an alter resting on coffins of three deceased infants.

Not many people know that Swindon boasts one of the best churches in England.

Well known author Simon Jenkins included St Mary's in Lydiard Park in his acclaimed book, The One Thousand Best Churches in England published in 2001.

In a six part Channel 4 documentary England's Best Churches on Saturday evenings starting on 19th October, 8pm, he explains why they rate so highly in his opinion. The monuments dedicated to the St John family features in the final programme of the series on 23rd November and is described by a Channel 4 spokesperson as a moving finale which tells the heart breaking story of Sir John St John who lost three sons fighting for King Charles during the English Civil War.



Simon Jenkins with keeper of Lydiard House Sarah Finch-Crisp in front of the Golden Cavalier, a monument in St Mary's commissioned by Sir John to honour his favourite son Edward killed in the second battle of Newbury. Edward returned gravely wounded to Lydiard where he died after three months of agony.