I was recently commissioned to create a handcrafted solid oak bench to mark the 500th anniversary of William Tyndale’s translation of the Bible into English. Having previously made a number of these benches and, in particular, one for the Keepers in Wotton-under-Edge, I was delighted to be asked to produce this special commemorative piece.
The bench measures 2.3 metres in length and features a hand-carved motif in the middle of the backrest depicting the Tyndale Monument with an open Bible superimposed over it. The carving celebrates Tyndale’s enduring legacy and his pioneering work in making the Scriptures accessible in English.
On Saturday 11th July 2026, the bench was installed in concrete in the peaceful garden of the chapel at North Nibley, Gloucestershire, where visitors can enjoy a direct view of the Tyndale Monument standing proudly on the hill above. Funded through local support, the project provides a lasting tribute to one of England’s most influential reformers and offers a place to rest and reflect.
It will be a welcome stopping point for pilgrims passing through the village, as well as for walkers on the Cotswold Way, who can pause to enjoy both the surroundings and the spectacular view of the monument.