Edward Jenner Heritage Trail - Location 8
Church of St Mary the Virgin, Church Lane
Parts of the Church of St Mary the Virgin date back to the 13th century. Reverend Stephen Jenner, Edward’s father 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, was the daughter of the Rev Henry Head from a respected Berkshire family. His older brother, Stephen, also in Holy Orders, cared for Edward upon the death of their parents in 1754.
To the left of the alter in the Chancel 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, 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 belltower there is another tablet monument to Stephen Jenner up in the ringing chamber. 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 benefitted over the years from the lifesaving vaccination programmes around the globe and in particular, the recent COVID pandemic.
www.jstor.org
www.stmarys-berkeley.co.uk/edward-jenner.html
From the porch door, pass through the graveyard on the path towards the Church belltower. At the Church gate turn left into Church Lane and walk half a dozen steps following the low wall to the right where we’ll find 3 Church Lane, home of James Phipps.
To the left of the alter in the Chancel 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, 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 belltower there is another tablet monument to Stephen Jenner up in the ringing chamber. 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 benefitted over the years from the lifesaving vaccination programmes around the globe and in particular, the recent COVID pandemic.
www.jstor.org
www.stmarys-berkeley.co.uk/edward-jenner.html
From the porch door, pass through the graveyard on the path towards the Church belltower. At the Church gate turn left into Church Lane and walk half a dozen steps following the low wall to the right where we’ll find 3 Church Lane, home of James Phipps.