Gloucestshire Church Trails - Ancient and Beautiful Churches of the North West Forest

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	Rurdean, St. John the Baptist Begun in the 12^th century, the outstanding features of this church are the carving of the Virgin Mary over the South Porch and the tympanum representing St. George and the Dragon above the South Door. The interior contains a font installed in 1657; a painting of the tympanum which was added with the tower in 1365; and a small carving of two fishes dating from c. 1200 and re-discovered in 1985 in a local cottage. The church commands outstanding views over the Wye Valley and trips up the Tower can be arranged.
Clearwell, St. Peter A jewel amidst an historic village, St. Peter's was designed by John Middleton, at the request of the Dowager Countess Dunraven of Clearwell Court, and opened in 1866 to replace an earlier 'Chapel of ease' which occupied a site in another part of the village now called the 'cemetery'. A fine example of mid-nineteenth century 'French Gothic' style the church is a mass of carving, coloured stone, brass, and stained glass. One of its glories is its magnificent, original, stencilled roof.
	Newland, All Saints Known as the 'Cathedral of the Forest' this large and impressive medieval building was started in c.1200, as a base for outreach into the Forest. The glories of this building are its spaciousness, its light, and its beautiful furnishings which include not only the famous 'Miners Brass', but also exciting modem furniture and ecclesiastical embroideries. Not a museum, but an active celebration of art and worship, this church and its ancient churchyard, with its tombs of every description, set amidst a beautiful village, provide a unique experience for the visitor.
Redbrook, St. Saviour Situated in the valley of the River Wye, on the edge of the Forest of Dean and overlooking the Welsh Hills and forests, this small church, by 1. P. Seddon, was built in 1873. Its simple interior provides an air of calm and peace and contains two fine stained glass windows, one by Kempe (c.1890) the other by Molly Meager (c.1992).
	Staunton, All Saints One of the oldest churches on the borders of the Forest of Dean. Built in the early part of the 12^th century, it was the subject of a number of alterations and additions throughout the middle Ages, and some 19^th century restoration. The central tower is the most striking external feature, although visitors should not miss the sundial on the South porch. Inside there is a scissor beam nave roof; a stone pulpit and rood stairs; and two fonts - one Norman, the other 15^th century. The Chancel, added in the 15^th century, has several 17^th century floor tombstones. The churchyard contains the memorial to David Mushet, the metallurgist whose experiments revolutionised the steel industry.
English Bicknor, St. Mary Situated in an oval churchyard of Saxon origin, the present church was built circa 1100 AD. The original central tower collapsed and was rebuilt at the west end. At the same time the archway of the three orders was added with its 'beak head' carvings which are of particular interest. The interior of the church is dominated by Romanesque pillars and contains a floor tomb with a rare example of Lombardic script c.1420, which freely translated means 'Pray for the soul of our departed brother in Christ'.

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