Edward Jenner Heritage Trail - Location 8
Jenner's final resting place - the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Church Lane
Parts of the Church of St Mary the Virgin date back to the 13th century. Edward's father, Reverend Stephen Jenner, was Rector of Rockhampton Parish and Vicar of Berkeley from 1729 until his death in 1754. He was apparently a clergyman of means and had lands and property in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire as well as being a tutor to one of the Earls of Berkeley. Jenner’s mother, Sarah, who died in the same year as his father, was the daughter of the Rev Henry Head from a respected Berkshire family. His older brother Stephen, who was also Rector of Rockhampton Parish and Vicar of Berkeley 1758 - 1797, cared for Edward upon the death of their parents in 1754.
The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Berkeley. Image by The Jenner Project 2022 | 23
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The porch of the Church showing the plaque. Image by The Jenner Project 2022 | 23
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Dr Edward Jenner's family tomb stone. Image by The Jenner Project 2022 | 23
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To the left of the altar in the Chancel of the Church is the Jenner family vault where Edward is buried with his parents, wife, and eldest son who died at a young age.
To the south of the Chancel (on the right facing the altar), above the blocked door to the Berkeley Burial Chapel, there is a tablet monument to Edward Jenner. On the East window you will see the parish memorial to Dr Edward Jenner b.1749 d.1823. In the Bell Tower, up in the ringing chamber there is another tablet monument to Stephen Jenner. This strong connection to the Jenner family has been maintained for centuries and has made St Mary’s a place of pilgrimage for many who have benefited over the years from the lifesaving vaccination programmes around the globe and in particular, the recent COVID pandemic.
From the porch door, pass through the graveyard on the path towards the Church Bell Tower. At the Church gate turn left into Church Lane and walk a few steps following the low wall to the right where you will find no. 3 Church Lane, home of James Phipps. You can click the QR code on the Plaque or click here for information on Location 9.
To the south of the Chancel (on the right facing the altar), above the blocked door to the Berkeley Burial Chapel, there is a tablet monument to Edward Jenner. On the East window you will see the parish memorial to Dr Edward Jenner b.1749 d.1823. In the Bell Tower, up in the ringing chamber there is another tablet monument to Stephen Jenner. This strong connection to the Jenner family has been maintained for centuries and has made St Mary’s a place of pilgrimage for many who have benefited over the years from the lifesaving vaccination programmes around the globe and in particular, the recent COVID pandemic.
From the porch door, pass through the graveyard on the path towards the Church Bell Tower. At the Church gate turn left into Church Lane and walk a few steps following the low wall to the right where you will find no. 3 Church Lane, home of James Phipps. You can click the QR code on the Plaque or click here for information on Location 9.
