Mission Church Paxford Gloucestershire

The former Mission Church in Paxford, near Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire is currently
being converted to holiday rental accommodation and Oxford Archaeology (OA) has
undertaken historic building recording at the site as a condition of planning approval.
The building was constructed in 1866, initially opening as an infant school for 100 children
but it was also licensed to take church services within the first year. In 1870 a new stained
glass window was added at the east end and then in 1886 an extension was added at the west
end to provide a separate school room. A small set of WCs was also added at the southwestern
corner of the building.
The school closed in the early 20th century (thought to be 1921) but the church continued to
take services until 2016 and then in 2018 its licence was formally revoked.
The former Mission Church is a prominent landmark within Paxford and the conversion is
providing it with a new use which will ensure its continued future maintenance. The
conversion will see minimal alterations to the external form of the building and its
ecclesiastical origins will remain easily identifiable.
The current recording has helped document the building for posterity, prior to its conversion,
and it has enhanced understanding of its evolution. It has provided a formal record of
features or elements that will be altered and identified evidence of former features.
The main heritage significance of the building is probably its general contribution to the
character of the village and Paxford Conservation Area but more specific features of interest
include the entrance porch with ‘Infant 1866 School’ written above it, decorative floor tiles
within the porch, the screen which divided the school room, the stained glass window at the
east end and historic graffiti in the room above the chancel with names and various dates
from the 20th century. Several features have also been exposed during the initial minor works
including a blocked former fireplace in the north wall and the hearth of a fireplace in the
school room.