The building
Sparsholt’s parish church is called the Church of the Holy Rood on the National Heritage List and the Holy Cross in the Victoria County History; both names mean the same thing. The nave dates from the end of the 12th century, and the lower part of the west tower probably does too; the upper tower and its shingled broach spire are later. In the 14th century the chancel was rebuilt on a generous scale and transepts were added; the north transept was later pulled down and its arch blocked. The north doorway is a fine late Norman piece, with a moulded outer arch, beak-head stops and foliage capitals, and it keeps an old door with scrolled ironwork.
The chancel is the finest part. It has a five-light east window, a high-pitched original roof resting on corbels carved with the symbols of the four evangelists, and a piscina with triple sedilia under elaborate canopies. Carved gargoyles run along its parapet.
The wooden effigies
Sparsholt is best known for its carved oak effigies, rare survivals because most wooden monuments have been lost to decay or fire. In the south transept, under two matching 14th-century recesses, lie oak figures of two women: one in a long mantle and wimple on a tomb chest with nine armed weepers, and one of a widow or vowess with her feet on a dog. Nearby lies an armoured knight of oak. Historic England identifies them as Sir Robert Achard, who died in 1353, and his wives Joan and Agnes; the Victoria County History dated the knight to about 1390. A freestone effigy of a cross-legged knight of about 1300 lies in a recess in the chancel.
Other monuments
The church has several brasses, including a priest, William de Herleston, of about 1410, and John Fettiplace (died 1602). There is a monument to John Pleydell (died 1591) and his wife Bridget, and a 17th-century tablet to Sir George Hyde of Kingston Lisle. A 14th-century oak screen stands across the south transept arch, and some medieval glass survives in the nave windows. One of the bells is a pre-Reformation bell dedicated to St Catherine.
Visiting
The church is a working parish church at the heart of Sparsholt; check with the parish for opening. Kingston Lisle, historically part of Sparsholt parish, is a mile to the west.
Nearby
The Blowing Stone is at the foot of Blowingstone Hill, about a mile south-west, and the Ridgeway runs along the downs above the village. Childrey’s church, with its lead font and Fettiplace brasses, is a mile and a half east.