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St Andrew's Church, circa 1905.
Buckland was originally
a Saxon church and mentioned in the Domesday Book. In the
late 12th century work began on rebuilding the church. The
oldest parts are massive pillars with carved capitals and
pointed Early English arches in the nave and chancel. Early
in the 14th century the sanctuary and the Chapel of St Thomas
were added. The small church remained untouched until the
middle of the 19th century.
In 1851 the church was deemed too small for
the growing parish and the south aisle was extended the full
length of the nave. In 1880 the nave was doubled in length
and a new belfry added to the west end.
In order for the church to be extended the
old yew tree in the churchyard, reputed to be 1,000 years
old, had to be moved. In spring 1880 the old tree had its
roots excavated and boxed in and was then slid along timber
rails some 60 feet to the west. In spite of fears that the
move might have fatal consequences the tree is still going
strong over 100 years later.
The yew tree being moved in 1880.
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