This church is unusual in that the tower is not joined to the church. Entrance to the church is through the north porch where crusader crosses and marks can be seen scratched into the stonework of the arch. The porch and the north aisle are the oldest parts of the church, dating from around 1290.
I have photographed all the stained glass windows in this church, click here or on the picture below to view them.
The church has two fonts - the earlier was rediscovered in modern times in two sections in two different gardens! This font is probalby Norman and stands on a pillar carved with the arms of Elizabeth I and dated 1583. The Victorian font stands at the back of the church and has a carved conical cover which can be raised or lowered by means of a pulley.
The organ dates from the 19th century and was built by Nicholsons of Worcester. A major restoration was completed in 1980.
Here are two views of the nave, looking east and west. It has seven bays, alternating quatrefoil and octagonal pillars. The south aisle is known as the Elton aisle.
This ancient clock movement is on display at the back of the church. This was probably made by a local blacksmith about 1710-1720 and was originally in the tower.
This final view is of the tower, with church behind, taken from the main road. I like the silhouette against the strong sunlight. Prior to 1862 the Chantry Chapel of St Mary was attached to the tower, the remains of the roof line are still visible on the east face of the tower. When the chapel was demolished a stone coffin was discovered which is now on display in the church porch.
The spire was damaged during a storm in 1662, repaired and re-shingled in 1664 and again in 1680 using staves of cider casks bought by the church wardens. The last time it was re-shingled was in 1937. 35,000 shingles were used and 10,000 copper nails. During 1970-72 the stonework of the tower was repaired. The tower houses a peel of six bells dating from 1711; the heaviest six in Gloucestershire.
The clock in the tower was made by Messrs Wasbrough Hale and Co of Bristol in 1845 and cost 100 guineas. It was refurbished in 1993.
Digital photographs
Visitors to this album since June 2003
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