Follow the brown signs

A strange and beautiful church

Close to the Cotswold Way and in remote and beautiful country. up a deep narrow valley, this lovely little Norman church stands in a circular churchyard, which suggests an early and perhaps pre-Christian site.

You are immediately struck by the sight of the irregular hexagonal tower rising almost from the centre of the building. It is Norman, and probably originally was the nave of a small chapel. Gaze up into the tower’s roof, you’ll see how uneven all six sides are! But while the exterior still speaks of the church’s ancient past, most of the interior reflects its Victorian refit.

The doorway through which you enter the church is superbly carved, with exuberant curves and leaf decoration. The arch in the west tower wall is similarly splendid. Both are remarkable examples of fine workmanship and intricate design from the 13th century.

The font, though of the same date, is more rustic in its design. There is a fragment of Medieval stained glass in the east window, showing a saint’s head.

Four panels of Flemish painted glass in the south-west window of the tower are 16th or 17th century, and the rest is fine 19th century glass.

Attractive Victorian red needlework panels of lilies hang on the east wall, and the same pattern is painted on the wall behind.

The monuments in both church and churchyard reflect the importance of the wealthy neighbouring families in the history of this church.

How to find us