St Joseph

Introduction

In 1676 the Compton Census numbered twelve Roman Catholic recusants in the parishes of Westwell, Broadwell, Brize Norton and Bampton. In 1829 the Catholic Emancipation Act was passed, allowing Catholics to build churches and priests to say Mass openly.

Architecture and furnishings

The building is constructed of coursed rubble limestone with stone slate roofs. The main west range has 5 bays, with a central hipped projection, probably a former cart entry, which has a tall C20 metal casement to the front. The left bays have a row of nesting boxes for pigeons, with ledge, just below eaves, and 2 C20 2-light metal casements. The north gable end of the main west range has a C20 circular window and C20 double doors in a moulded stone architrave surround.

The north range, also of 5 bays, has blocked vent slits and central opposing cart entries, partly blocked and partly with large C20 wooden mullion and transom windows. The north entry also has C20 double board doors. In the rear angle are a later rubble stone extension with lean-to roof, and a C20 concrete extension with flat roof.