 |
Tewkesbury Abbey, St. Mary the Virgin |
|
| Deerhurst Deerhurst is unique in having two outstanding examples of Anglo-Saxon building in close proximity. St. Mary's Priory This is the only surviving Anglo-Saxon Church in England. It is substantially of the 8th century, probably on a Celtic foundation. The interior has been little altered over the years and so still has an Anglo-Saxon aura. St. Alphege became a monk here, he was eventually made Archbishop of Canterbury and martyred by the Danes. Of outstanding interest are the Anglo-Saxon font and these Saxon openings which are to be found high on the west wall. Odda's Chapel Founded by an Anglo-Saxon nobleman called Odda, it is now in the care of the Department of the Environment. King Canute signed a peace treaty with Edmund Ironside just a few yards away on the east bank of the River Severn. |
 |
|
 |
Tirley, St. Michael All that remains of the Saxon or Norman church is the 'Pillar' font.The present building is largely 14th and 15th century. The Holy Water stoup and piscina are now at floor level, showing how much the floor has been raised to overcome recurring Severn flooding. Items of interest include:- a fine timbered porch; an ancient muniment chest; a unique tower clock, made locally from scrap agricultural implements; remains of a Royal Coat of Arms and some interesting monuments. The medieval exterior rendering has recently been restored. |
|
| Forthampton, St. Mary the Virgin
The church stands on high ground with extensive views of Tewkesbury, Chace1ey and Deerhurst. A remarkable survival from the time the church was founded is the 13th century stone altar complete with three consecration crosses. It is one of the very few stone altars to survive intact after the Reformation. At the entrance to the churchyard are the village stocks and whipping post with iron manacles and seating for three, nor currently in use! |
 |
|
 |
Chaceley, St. John the Baptist The church is mainly of 11th century construction. It has an outstanding Norman chancel arch of uncommon design having a 'Devil Face' keystone, probably of Saxon date. The south aisle is 14th century. Of particular interest are the head corbels in the arcade; the large drum, thought to be a relic of the church bank; and the village stocks now kept inside. If locked, the key is opposite at Grain House Farm. |
|
| Bushley, St. Peter A fine 19th century building with some relics of the two previous churches to occupy this site. The hexagonal Norman font survives from the first church. The second church was built in the 14th century by Lord Edward Despenser, which speaks of an ancient connection with the Abbey at Tewkesbury. From this building remain a fine brass and two windows, now erected in the churchyard. There are also several re-sited 17th and 18th century monuments of note. Dr. Edward Blore and Sir Gilbert Scott designed the present building which is ostentatiously large for such a small village. When locked, the key is available. |
 |
|
 |
Twyning, St. Mary Magdalene Church End is the site of the original village. In mediaeval times the church was connected with Winchcombe Abbey. Wherever possible the 1860's restoration used the stone and timber from the then dilapidated Norman building. The church remains impressively large. Notable features include: 13th century tower; mediaeval roof and some bench ends. Also various monuments including ones to the Clare and Handcock families. |
|
 |
||
 Click here to view the Google Map of this area Note: Gloucestershire Church Trails is not responsible for the content of external internet sites |
||
