Another of the Itchen Valley's picturesque churches, St Swithun's was mentioned in the Domesday Book. The present building dates largely from the late 12th Century, and sits above a heavily wooded lane which slopes gently down to the river.
The church has a nave and apsidal chancel: the former is the original Norman work, and contains fine north and south doorways with zig-zag and diamond decoration respectively. The chancel was added in 1865 and is clearly distinguished outside by its knapped flint walls (the original Norman walls being rendered). The nave has 15th century two-light windows in the west, north and south walls (the remainder being Victorian). The most distinctive feature is, however, the fine late Victorian bell-turret of 1871, which contains three 17th Century bells.
The church forms part of the Itchen Valley team ministry, with 3 services a month, complemented by those in Avington, Easton and Itchen Abbas.
St Swithun, Church Lane, Martyr Worthy SO21 1DY
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