I took a few photos of a Nation monument the churchyard cross Monument number 29877
This is a 14th century cross that stands some 12m north east of the church porch (half right as you leave the church) a rare survivor as for although they were once widespread they were most destroyed by parliamentary decrees of 1641 and 1643.Few have survived with their original head intact, although the headless shafts and bases are to be found in most Herefordshire churchyards with medieval origins.
Anyway I visited the church on a fantastic summers afternoon, as this church is fantastic in the natural light and contains rare treasure such as a ancient coffin carriage.
Although the main part of the church dates from the 13th and 14th centuries, part of the north wall is dated around 1050, the time of Edward the Confessor. There is strong evidence that long before that, was a thriving community as far back as the 4th and 5th centuries A.D.
The church itself is built of local sandstone, the chancel, nave and north aisle being the oldest parts. They were partially rebuilt in the 15th century by Richard of Rotherham, and during the same period the tower was added, and possibly the one medieval bell was installed. It is also believed that he inserted the figures in the window behind the main Altar, which is an interesting example of the Herefordshire type of three-stepped lancet lights. On the north wall of the Sanctuary is a stone credence-table, and opposite, in the window, is a piscine. The intricately carved chair in the Sanctuary is Jacobean. The other chair dates from the 18th century. The pulpit is 17th century, although restored, and the screen between the nave and chancel is mainly 19th century; it incorporates some 15th century work in the posts, mullions, and heads to the open upper panels. The poppy heads on the choir-stalls are early 16th century.
The windows in the south wall are of the 14th century, and between the two at the back is a blocked-up doorway circa 1300, which is hidden on the outside by a buttress and chimney. In this recess stand the remains of an early 18th century sepulchral monument with two blank shields. In the sides of the doorway are the hinges and holes for a large wooden bar bolt. The octagonal font is late 15th or early 16th century, being decorated with two primitive heads, fleuron's and rosettes. The north doorway dates from around 1300, but the porch is 19th century, probably put up by the Rev.
The tower remains nearly as it was, with its one medieval bell, the remaining three being cast around 1628. The present bell housing dates from the 17th century. Unfortunately, the tower needs strengthening before the bells can be rung; this is a major work to be done when finance is available. In the north aisle is a 17th century chest with its original lock plate and an unusual modern (1920) wheeled bier. Both these were recently restored by the Craft Department of the John Kyrle School in Ross-on-Wye.
The churchyard has many interesting old gravestones and monuments dating from the 18th century, with a few earlier sepulchral inscriptions inside the church, on the floor of the aisles. The most interesting is the ancient Cross just outside the church door. It originates from the 14th century but it was severely damaged in the religious arguments of the 17th century.
The yew trees in the churchyard are very old. The one by the gate into the lane, was planted on Shrove Tuesday, 13th February 1615, according to the parish registers.
However what I really liked was the old hand pumped bellows organ, and there was some old 1955 graffiti by a boy aged 16, whom presumably was not amused at having to work the organ bellows
Other than the text I am afraid this report is picture heavy
Thanks for looking
