About Us

The five Downs and Valley parishes are: Ilmington, Preston-on-Stour, Stretton-on-Fosse, Tredington with Darlingscott, and Whitchurch. We are part of the Shipston Deanery which, in turn, is part of the Diocese of Coventry. 

The Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin lies at the heart of the village of Ilmington, nestling under the northernmost spur of the Cotswolds.

The building itself dates back to Norman times and is a physical symbol of the presence of Christian faith in the village over many years. It is built of stone quarried from the surrounding hills and rests in an attractive churchyard that is home to much wildlife.

Within the church you will find the beautiful Apple Map: the result of a community project to illustrate the historical locations of the village’s many orchards; and, Robert “The Mouseman” Thompson’s mice carved into the oak furnishings. Young (and not so young!) visitors enjoy trying to find all eleven of them. We also have bats in our belfry!

The building is also home to a magnificent church organ, the sound of which - thanks to a talented organist - enriches our Sunday worship. At Easter and Christmas, a choir comes together from the regular congregation, the village and surrounding areas to sing at our services. The bell tower is host to eight bells; a faithful, gifted team of campanologists regularly rings out a joyful summons across the village to join the service of worship about to take place.

Our Sunday Services are at 11am (apart from the 4th Sunday of the month when we meet at 6pm for Evensong). We would love for you to join us.