Police are investigating the death of a man found at a vicarage.
The body of Reverend John Suddards, the vicar of St Mary's in Thornbury, south Gloucestershire, was found in "suspicious" circumstances, according to police.
Workmen discovered Suddards as they arrived at the vicarage yesterday morning, finding the building locked.
"When they could not gain entry they obtained a key, found the body and called the police," said an Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson.
The discovery has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community, which sits 11 miles north of Bristol.
Jacqueline Pillinger, 68, whose daughter works up the street from the vicarage, said she understood Suddards lived alone.
She said: "This area is lovely, I'm very surprised anything like this has happened."
Officers investigating the death remained at the scene in Castle Street, last night.
Police at the scene outside a vicarage next to St Mary's church
The area around the vicarage was sealed off and a post-mortem examination was to be carried out.
In the statement police said: "Officers remain at the scene at the vicarage where it was discovered by two workmen who had arrived for a pre-arranged appointment.
Thornbury boasts two churches, St Paul's and St Mary's. The latter is situated in Castle Street - close to the vicarage.
Locals said the vicar at St Mary's had only recently taken up his post. According to the parish website, he began the role last July.
Suddards, a former barrister, is understood to have moved to the area from a parish in Witham, Essex, in the summer.
According to reports at the time, the clergyman of 22 years joined the church following a serious car accident.
Residents of the town expressed shock at reports of his death, and tributes were paid to the vicar on Twitter.
Parts of St Mary's are believed to date back to the 12th century.
The town is home to around 12,000 people, according to its website.
Suddards had served at St Nicolas Church in Witham, Essex, since 2001. Before that he served Great Yeldham parish, 20 miles away, having been ordained in 1989.
Rev Simon Garwood, vicar at St Nicolas, said: "He had served in the area for 10 years and was much loved.
"He was absolutely devoted to the church and worked extremely hard. He gave a lot of himself for the church.
"Many people in the parish are in shock and are trying to digest the news."
John Goodman, Mayor of Witham, said he and his wife had attended the church on special occasions like Christmas.
He said: "He was a very quiet man who kept himself to himself, but he was devoted to the church and was a very well-liked rector.
"I'm extremely sad and shocked to hear of his death.
"The news is gradually trickling through the community and I'm sure many people will feel the same."
When he took up the post at St Nicolas', Suddards, originally from Yorkshire, spoke of how he joined the priesthood after an accident.
Police at the scene outside a vicarage next to St Mary's church
He told the Braintree and Witham Times: "I used to be a barrister and I had a fairly major road accident and was paraplegic for nine months.
"I was thinking after that and felt strongly that God wanted me to become a priest."
Suddards married the daughter of Braintree councillor Phil Barlow a week before he left for his new parish.
Barlow told the Colchester Gazette: "I am very saddened. He will be missed by my whole family and everyone who knew him. It is a tragedy."