Bourton Baptist Church

The Baptist congregation in Bourton-on-the-Water dates back to the 1650s, during the era of non-conformism in England, when dissenting worship was spreading and Bourton already had multiple Baptist and nonconformist individuals.
In 1701, the various Baptist groups in the village united and built their first Meeting House (on the site now occupied by the Baptist Church cemetery).
A manse (a home for the minister) was built in 1748 when Benjamin Beddome, then aged 23, was chosen as minister. The sum raised by the congregation was £217, a considerable amount at the time (~£35,000 today).

The current Baptist Church building was erected in 1876, replacing earlier meeting houses. It features a Norman style cruciform plan, rubble construction with slate roofs, slate or stone coped verges.
Notable architectural features include an octofoil “wheel” window, lancet windows with dog-tooth detailing, clasping buttresses, and a boundary wall and gate piers of character. The gate piers and boundary wall fronting Station Road are listed in their own right.

Benjamin Beddome served as pastor for 55 years, from 1740 until his death in 1795. He was not only beloved for his ministry and preaching but also for his contributions as a hymn writer.
His manse (minister’s house) remained church property until 1938, when it was sold. It is now the Old Manse Hotel in the centre of Bourton.

Now called Water Church, the church continues to function as a friendly, small, community-focused Baptist fellowship in the centre of Bourton.
It offers regular services, outreach, and programmes aimed at family life and revival.