Ashton-under-hill, St. Barbara

This is one of only two churches in England dedicated to St. Barbara. It is hidden from the road by weeping ash and a magnificent beech. Through the lynch gate the church footpath (part of the Wychavon Way) passes the chancel, a fine example of late Gothic architecture, on the 14th century porch which shields the Norman doorway. This 15th century font is the first sight inside. The chancel has an unusual step down and a window in the north wall depicts St. Barbara by her tower. There are several Baldwyn family tombs in this church.

Beckford, St. John the Baptist

For over 1200 years a church has stood here in the centre of the village. Earliest records are dated 803 AD and traces of Saxon foundations were found during the work of restoration in 1911. The Norman nave has a 'Mystery Pillar' which baffles experts. Over the north and south (illustrated) doorways are tympana new considered to contain Celtic sculpture. The tower contains 12th, 14th and 17th century work. Take the path through the churchyard to Court Farm Lane and a pleasant walk up Bredon Hill with fine views. Nearby, at the Old Vicarage, Beckford Silk welcomes visitors daily, except Sundays.

Kemerton, St. Nicholas

The tower is all that remains of an earlier church. Its lower stage is Norman and the upper part is 15th century. The rest of the church was built to Richard Carpenter's design between 1846 and 1850. It is in the 14th century style and has all the embellishments of a romanticised Victorian and Angle-Catholic understanding of Mediaeval church architecture. It is a period piece and well worth a visit. Of all the churches around Bredon Hill, this is the only 'modem one'. This church is not always open, but a notice will tell you from whence a key may be obtained.
Bredon, St. Giles

An architecturally important building. Much of the nave retains its Norman features including a splendid west door and north porch. The western arch supporting the 15th century tower and spire is of late Norman work and leads into a 14th century chancel which contain some medieval heraldic tiles and as Easter Sepulchre. The south aisle 'Mitton Chapel' is 13th century with some wonderful window tracery with detached Purbeck marble shafts. The 19th century did not see any major restoration but did add an unusual herring-bone patterned floor. There are some fine monuments from the 14th and 17th centuries.
Overbury, St. Faith

The most characteristic feature of this church is its setting; a magnificent magnolia tree in the foreground, the walled cloister on the left and the stream rippling down to the pond on the right under an old Cotswold wall near the memorial lynch gate give prominence to this 11th century edifice. The 15th century tower dominating the skyline by its castellated parapet houses a ring of six bells. A significant feature of the interior is where the roof has been raised above the level of the 12th century clerestory window openings. This was done when the aisles were widened in the 14th century. This is a building which silently shouts of prayer continuously offered down the ages.
Ashchurch, St. Nicholas

Situated two miles east of Tewkesbury, on the A438 - once the old Port Street to London, and a pilgrim route - stands this lovely Norman church. There is a wide splay window in the south wall from this period. The fine 13th century arcade is a pleasing feature from a time of building expansion. From the 15th century comes a good Communion table and a rare canopied roof screen. It is not often that these survived the destructive orgies of Puritan times. Whilst retaining its sense of history, one is left in no doubt that this building is at the heart of a living and praying community.
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