Nine interesting churches

St Cuthbert, Holme Lacy (SMR 6778)

This medieval church contains the beautiful Scudamore family tombs from the 16th and 17th centuries, information panels on the history of the Scudamores, and some medieval stalls with misericords.

St John the Baptist, Llanrothal (SMR 5485)

This beautiful medieval church is thought to be of a very ancient foundation, due to its association with the Celtic Saint Ridol. The dedication to St. John is thought to originate in the Norman period.

St Michael the Archangel, Michaelchurch (SMR 6840)

Built in the 11th or 12th centuries, perhaps on a sacred site of great antiquity. Largely rebuilt in the 13th century but little has happened to the church since and it remains unspoiled. 13th century wall paintings are still visible.

Moreton Jeffries Church (SMR 8253)

This small church is one of the few with no known dedication. It has a timber bell turret and was extensively refurbished in the early 17th century with a carved Jacobean pulpit, complete with sounding board and reading desk. There were further renovations in the 19th century, however there is still some evidence of despoliation during the Commonwealth period.

St Cosmas & St Damian, Stretford (SMR 6933)

This medieval church was for a time dedicated to St. Peter, but the original dedication to St Cosmas and St Damian was reinstated sometime during the 1920s. The shrine of Cosmas and Damian in the chancel testifies to the original dedication. Timber bell turret. Below the church is a spring or well, known for curing weak eyes; it is also dedicated to Cosmas and Damian, the patron saints of physicians and surgeons.

St Mary the Virgin, Wormsley (SMR 6896)

Medieval church of even earlier origins. Norman doorway with decorated tympanum and Jacobean pulpit. In the churchyard are early 19th century table-tombs of Richard and Thomas Payne. Richard Payne built Downton Castle and was regarded a man of many talents: landscape designer, architect, archaeologist and writer. Thomas Payne experimented with new fruit varieties (eg. Elton cherries).

Yatton Chapel, Yatton (SMR 924)

Situated in Chapel Farm, this simple Norman church has a wooden belfry. Interesting 12th century doorway associated with the Herefordshire School of Romanesque Sculpture, according to Pevsner. However, it compares poorly to the one in Kilpeck.

St Mary the Virgin, Yazor (SMR 5519)

Nineteenth century church designed by George Rowe and built by the Price family of nearby Foxley. The church, which is in the Early English style, has a thin tower which carries a thin spire, some fine windows and remarkable fittings.

St Bartholomew, Richards Castle (SMR 5538)

This medieval church lies on the hill beside the castle and has a detached tower (dating to c.1300), useful for defensive purposes. There are 17th century box pews and a 13th century coffin lid with a cross. The crypt is known as St. Anthony's bower and may have been a hermit's cell.

 

 

 

If you look up the SMR numbers on the database, you can find more information on each church.

See the Churches Conservation Trust's website, http://www.visitchurches.org.uk/, for information regarding opening arrangements. 
 

Information for teachers

The Trust provides learning and education activities and resources. For information on these, see http://www.visitchurches.org.uk/learning/.

You can also write to:

The Churches Conservation Trust
89 Fleet Street
London, EC4Y 1DH
Tel. 020 7213 0660

[Original author: Toria Forsyth-Moser, 2003]