Gloucestshire Church Trails - Small Churches South of Tewkesbury

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	Swindon Village, St. Lawrence A very important building with many reminders of its Norman origin. There are only two Norman octagonal towers in the country, both in Gloucestershire. Each side is different in size and there are twelve dramatic figures carved above the door to the bell turret. The Norman chancel was rebuilt in the late 13th century and there are six grotesque Norman heads reworked into the practically rebuilt nave (19th century). At the east end of the south aisle is one of the earliest examples of tracery. The sanctuary contains chairs and rail worked in the late 17^th century.
Elmstone Hardwicke, St Mary Magdalene The church was connected to the Benedictine Priory at Deerhurst and contains a 9^th century carved stone head which is ornamented like the font at Deerhurst. There are two 13^th century piscinas. Most of the windows were replaced in the substantial 19^th century restoration, but there is a good example of 14^th century flowing tracery at the east end of the south aisle. The tower and font are 15^th century as are the finely panelled chancel screen and pulpit. The church is often locked. Please phone 01242 522786 for the key.
	Staverton, St. Catherine This pretty little ancient church has been used for worship for over 700 years. Its cruciform shape has evolved over the centuries and includes several architectural curiosities. The three bells are of great interest as they retain their original fittings from before the invention of nuts and bolts. The memorial east window glass was designed by J. Edie Reid. The hassocks were reworked by the parishioners in 1968.
Boddington, St. Mary Magdalene This is a small church which has been in use since Medieval times. The building is of local claystone with Cotswold stone quoins. It dates from the 12^th century. The 14th century saw the rebuilding of the tower, chancel and porch with its Holy water stoup. The roof beams in the nave are very old and have traces of blue colouring. The Medieval font has a 'witch lock'. From the 16th century comes the altar made from a Jacobean table. Cross-stitch kneelers have been introduced from 1987. They have been beautifully worked by local people with a theme of Rural Life -linking with the large tapestry of the Boddington Oak.
	Stoke Orchard, St. James the Great Wall paintings from the end of the 12^th century cover the walls of this Norman church. Rather like a strip-cartoon, they tell in lively fashion the adventures of the Apostle St. James in which he defeats and converts an evil magician and a scribe called Josias. The last of the 28 scenes shows the souls of James and Josias being carried to heaven in a napkin. This series has no like in Europe except in some cathedral glass. It links the church with the pilgrim route to the shrine of St. James of Compostella in Spain. Note the votive crosses of pilgrims scratched by the south door. This church really does provide a step back into the Middle Ages.
Tredington, St. John the Baptist The timber-framed tower and spire stand out in this attractive village. Two dragons greet the visitor in the porch - one a dragon's head stop, the other in the floor - the fossil remains of an unidentified marine reptile of the Jurassic period, similar to an Ichthyesaurus. The atmosphere inside is simple and intimate. Of special note are the fine Norman chancel arch and the Elizabethan plaster ceiling. Most of the wooden fixtures are of the 17^th or 18th centuries. Outside is a 14th century churchyard cross and the illustrated Norman tympanum over the blocked north door.

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