Moreton-on-Lugg: St Andrew

Pipe Cum Lyde: St Peter

St Mary the Virgin

Welcome to St Mary the Virgin, Burghill!

Mission

Our church is an open and embracing community which seeks to fulfil the great command to both love God and neighbour in the fullest possible sense. We are a community committed to live out our faith within our modern context which celebrates diversity and welcomes all. Our mission is to proclaim the good news that God uniquely reveals in the life of Jesus of Nazareth, that all are loved by God and bear His image. To echo the sentiments of William Temple, we exist primarily for the benefit of our non-members, as well as our own.

The History

Our church dates from the 12th century though evidence exists of an earlier building apparent in the north wall of the chancel. During the 14th century the chancel was widened and a north chapel and vestry were added, The Church was entirely restored in 1824.

The building houses a very fine 15th century rood screen which was restored in 1897, an ancient figured metal font, a 15th century alabaster altar tomb to Sir John Milbourne and family, and some ancient brasses. One dates from 1619 and commemorates the death of Robert Masters, noting that he sailed with Thomas Cavendish on the second only circumnavigation of the globe in 1588.

The present tower, built in 1812 of local sandstone, replaced an older structure which collapsed in 1810. The pinnacles and battlements were built in 1953 to a design by the architect E.A Rosier. The font dating from 1180, was damaged by the 1810 collapse and eventually restored in 1881 by R. Morgan of Kington.

The tower has a ring of 8 bells, 5 of which were cast by Abraham Rudhall of Gloucester in 1704 and were augmented by 3 further bells in 1894 cast at the Whitechapel Foundry. The bells are considered some of the best in the diocese. The tower was restored in 2019.

The oak-timbered south porch dates from the early 16th century and was restored in 2020.

Our beautiful churchyard has an avenue of fine old yew trees.

The Church was well known to many famous people in history including Sir Edward Elgar and the poets Wordsworth, Coleridge and Shelley. It is now a Grade II* listed building.

We hope that you will visit to join us for a service or simply to enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Safeguarding & Data Protection

Safeguarding

Liz Donovan Tel 01432 760881

Church of England Safeguarding Policy – adopted by the PCC August 2018

Data Protection

Rev Phill Brown Tel. 01432 761821 or email at [email protected]

Stretton Sugwas: St Mary Magdalene

If you head out of Hereford on the A438 towards Hay-on-Wye and Brecon as you pass through Swainshill glance over to you right and you will catch site of one of the most picturesque churches in Herefordshire. The black and white tower of St Mary Magdalene rises above the East Gable surrounded by the lush greenery of churchyard and fields.

The timbers of the tower are ancient, Norman in fact and yet the original parish church of Stretton Sugwas didn’t have a black and white tower, and, although the church is full of Norman stonework and carving the original church stood on a completely different site. So what is the mystery of St Mary Magdalene Church?

The first church of Stretton Sugwas built in 1150 stood next door to the present Priory hotel and you can still make out the old floor plan if you look just to the right of the hotel.

There are tombstones around the boundary of the site of the old church. It is a very tranquil spot and well worth a visit.

When the church fell into disrepair in 1877 it was decided to build a new church rather than repair the old one. The new site was chosen because it was the centre point between Stetton and Sugwas and would be able to be seen by travellers along the highway.

The cost was estimated at being £2,275 and before work was commenced £2,250 had been promised.

The old church was pulled down and re-useable material brought along the lanes to the new site and building began in 1878 by a Mr Cheiake who later emigrated to Canada.

Photographs of both the old church and the present church are hung at the back of the nave under the West window.

Examples of the re-use of materials are to be found in the Romanesque or Norman arches leading into the tower, from the tower into the church and on the inside of the South doorway and some of the timbers in the tower, which was heightened from the old church.

The greatest of the treasures is the Sampson Tympanum

As you walk through in the South door it faces you above the doorway leading into the tower. It is a semi-circular carving of breath-taking beauty, depicting Sampson astride a lion forcing its jaws open with bare hands. It is an absolute masterpiece and artistically way ahead of its time. The cuffs of Sampson’s tunic fall in delicate folds, and there is a sense of struggle and movement in the piece which is quite un-mediaeval. It is a brilliant example of the work of the great mediaeval sculptor known as the Chief Master, working under the patronage of Sir Ralph de Baskerville.

The incised memorial stone memorial stone of Richard Greenaway and his wife built into the South wall was laid over their grave at the old church.

We are led to believe the font itself is Norman.

There are four bells in the bell tower. Bell number 1 is dated 1671, Number 2 1813, Number 3 1930 and bell number 4 1706. The old number 3 bell stands at the back of the North aisle, it is badly cracked.

The chancel screen out of the old church was erected to the entrance of the Vestry at the North East end of the church. The screen consists of two fixed panel and double doors.

There are also some heraldic tiles on the floor of the vestry

The church is open on odd days during the summer months for visitors to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the building and spend time in private prayer.

The churchyard is well kept and the PCC take great pride in keeping the churchyard in good order.

An annual Christmas quiz is held in winter to raise funds as well as various other events which take place during the year.

Service Rota as at the present time

1st Sunday of the Month All Age Worship 10.00am

2nd Sunday of the Month Group Parish Eucharist 10.00am

3rd Sunday of the Month Parish Eucharist/Morning Prayer 9.30am

4th Sunday of the Month Parish Eucharist/Morning Prayer 9.30am

5th Sunday of the Month Parish Eucharist/Morning Prayer 9.30am

Everyone is welcome to all these services and will be made most welcome.