HEREFORDSHIRE - 3

Ledbury  Little Hereford  Lyonshall Lugwardine  Moccas  Much Cowarne Much Marcle  Pembridge  Stretford  (Tarrington)  Ullingswick  (Weobley) Wolferlow

<Herefordshire - 1> <Herefordshire - 2> <Herefordshire - Hereford Cathedral>

Ledbury - St Michael and All Angels A medium sized town with a relatively large church, always open during daylight hours, and with a welcome desk. And strictly no charge! The church is on the edge of town presumably build on what was originally park land, but now surrounded by a housing estate. Parking is difficult: there are a few parking spaces outside the church but these may well be restricted, although there is no indication of this, so it is best to ask at the welcome desk. (Although you would not have realized there would be one before parking or reading this note!) Otherwise park in a pay car park (not expensive) some walk from the church. O/S Ref: SO 713 377 Above and right: [4]  Probably a sister of Grynbald ? Pauncefot who married a Pauncefot who married a Carew. She wears a long gown which is draped over the side of the tomb chest. The tomb chest has seven cinquefoil canopies, each with a blank shield hanging from foliage. The canopy under the vaulting has eleven cinquefoil panels, each with a carved shield  of arms: Carew (four times), Pauncefot (three times), and two lions passant (four times). This monument is similar to the Blanche Mortimer monument in Much Marcle church (see below) but is not as fine, having lost the upper part of the canopy and all the polychrome. It has also never been restored in recent times Note: Initially I had some difficulty in finding this monument in the church ; they did not know of it at the welcome desk. It was certainly not obvious in the main body of the church but I had my somewhat illegible note book with me which indicated it was in the north chapel. I had seen the south chapel but had not noticed its northern equivalent, there being just an organ there. But there was a passage on the east side of that instrument and this led to the north chapel and the lady I sought. Unfortunately the north chapel is used as the church store/ dumping ground so I had to remove a number of items from in front of the monument in order to take the above photographs - and then move them all back again. All while endured the playing of the organ. So if you seek her, that's where she'll be. Not a very satisfactory arrangement but at least it was not locked. Above left: [1] Dr Thomas Thornton (1629) Master of St Katherine's Hospital. Wall monument with bust in ruff and skull cap. Five shields of arms. Above centre: [2] Dr [John] Hoskins [1631] Wall monument with bust in ruff and cap. Draped canopy with cherub's head. One shield of arms.  Right :[3] Edward Skinner (1631) and his wife, Elizabeth (1628-9). Large alabaster and marble free standing wall  monument.  Base and canopy. On the base a kneeling male civilian  facing his wife in a big hat. Between them is a recumbent figure of a female child, and on the back wall an inscription plate and a shield of arms. On the front of the lower part of the base are kneeling figures of five sons and five daughters. Other Monuments Recorded by RCHM Left: [5] Priest in mass vestments. Mid - late 13th century. Now set upright against a wall. [6] Benjamin Pritchard, prebendary of Hereford and vicar of Ledbury (1701), and his wife, Gertrude (1727) Plain slab. [7] Edward Cooper, archdeacon of Hereford and master of St Katherine's Hospital, (1596) Slab with incised male figure in ruff, cap and gown; the cap, sleeves and shoes are painted black or blue and the lines formerly filled with dark composition. Right: [8] Elizabeth Hall (1708) Draped white marble tablet with vase   There are twenty floor slabs recorded, dating from the seventeenth to early eighteenth centuries   There are eight brasses recorded from the fifteenth to seventeen centuries. These include: William Calwe (1410), a kneeling figure of a priest; Thomas Capel (1490) Knight with livery collar and (unusually) feet on horse. [9] Constance Biddulph (Hall) (1706) and her husband, Anthony Biddolph (1718) Marble monument with reclining effigies of man and wife in costumes of the time. Inscription tablet at the back with drapery, cherub's heads and achievement and shields of arms. This monument is in three separate sections which occupy the whole width of the west of the south aisle and is surrounded by high contemporary iron railings: it is therefore impossible to photograph the whole monument in one shot. I had not asked for permission to enter the enclosure formed by the railings which was not otherwise readily accessible. I had to climb onto a table and take the photographs over the top of the railings. The bright light from the window caused problems which I was unable to overcome: this was particularly bad with the inscription tablet, as may be seen. Above and centre top (detail): On the back inscription it reads to  Robert Middleton Biddulph (1814). On the tablet below the lady it reads, Michael William John, 3rd Baron Biddulph of Ledbury (1972) and his wife, Lady Amy Louise Agar (1983). By: Sir Richard Westmacott. Far right and centre bottom: John Hamilton (1851) White marble effigy of a young child on a tomb chest with two angels above and behind. By: Thomas and his wife, Mary Thorneycroft. The monument was displayed in the 1851 exhibition. Above left: Miss Ann Hallings (1775).   Above centre: Sarah Hall (1780). Above right: John Mills (1842). Near right: William Skynner (1670) Mostly faded to illegibility.  Far Right: Edward Moulton Barrett (1857); and his wife, Mary Moulton Barrett (1828); and their daughter, Mary (1814) Aged 4 years. By J. G. Lough. He lies on a couch, a woman mourns at his feet, and behind an angel opens a door. *** Above far left: Charles Lucy (1786). Added later, and his descendants: Charles Lucy (1873), the historical painter; and Lt Col Charles John Hampden Lucy TD (1965). Centre left: Richard Hankins (1807); buried in the family vault together with Rev John Hall AB  Centre right: Anne Skip (1818) 21; and her sisters, Ellen (1819) 11, Hannah (1820) 17, and Penelope (1823) 12.  Far right: William Bellers (1808). Elizabeth Bellers (1800)  Right: Not legible. Below far left: Daniel Ellis Saunders (1825) By Flaxman.  Centre left: Grace... The rest is virtually illegible.  Centre right: William Miles (1802) and his wife, Sarah (1823). And their daughters: Sarah (1785), Elizabeth (1800), and Milborough (1800). And their sons: William (1790), Robert John (1797), and John Robert (1780). All are buried in this church with the exception of Milborough and John Robert who are buried at Westbury, Bristol. The structure behind te figure is an obelisk not a giant candle with which it might be confused as a result of the unfortunate position of the lighting! .By Flaxman.  Far right: Cpt Samuel Skynner (1725)  '... no mean proficient in Maritime affairs....' By Thomas White. Unfortunately the lower part of this monument is obscured by a church notice board.   Far left: Milly Miles (1805). Mid left: Antony Biddulph (1689) Latin text.  Near left: Francis Biddulph (173_); his second wife, (Ann Bagley) (1732); and his third wife, Margaret (Lygon) (1736). Above left: Elizabeth Biddulph (Palmer) (1899). Above right: Elizabeth Philippa Biddulph (1916)   John Biddulph (__) Mary Biddulph (1763) Michael Biddulph John Spencer (1854) Elizabeth Spencer (1843) and her husband, Timothy Spencer (1849) Signes: Cooke Gloster   Thomas Woodward (182_) and his wife, Mary (1822) Rev. Prebendary C. E. Maddison Green R D. William Carwardine (1799) and his wife, Martha (1811)   Charles [Berron] (1738) and his wife Jane (1787) Other Monuments     John Martin (1880) ; his wife,  Mary (Moss) (1843) and others. Large brass with raised lettering and botanical border Cpt Evan Hamilton Martin RN JP (1945) Brass with five military medals Mjr Hugh Waldyve Martin (1918) 59th Scinde Rifles; buried at Jullundur. Also his brother, Cpt Alick Gregory Martin MC (1918) Princess Patricia's Canadian LI; KIA Flavey-le-Martiel, France. Unknown grave. Brass with two military medals Lt George Dermot Martin (1908) 1st Batt. Royal Warwichshire Reg. DOW Matta Moghal Khee, India. Brother of the above. Buried with Pte W. Adams and others of his regiment at Matta Fort Brass with military medals, badge, images of infantrymen, etc Ernest Robert Preece (1951) Churchwarden Brass Katharine Biddulph (1888) White oval tablet on black base Michael, 1st Baron Biddulph of Ledbury (1923) White marble tablet with raised edge and cornice. Three coats of arms John Michael Gordon, 2nd Baron Biddulph of Ledbury (1949) and his wife, Marjorie Caroline Susan (Mure) (1961) As above but white/light brown. One coat of arms. William Gordon (1836) White tablet with cornice and low pediment, arms at base. Gray backing James Williams (1858) and his wife, Abigail (1875) White with cornice containing cross, base, and black backing Dame Maria Eliza Boyer Gresley (1840) White sarcopagus with feet standing on low shelf. Black base. S Lewis Sc Cheltenham Victor Roundell George Biddulph (1916) 2nd Lt Rifle Brigade. KIA Somme at 19 White tabler with black frame, marble Francis Biddulph (1794) Physician at St Batholemew's Hospital White oval tablet, long axis vertical pm rectangular black back George Tournay Biddulph (1929) White tablet with cornice on black back Penelope Biddulph (1818) White tablet with cornice and pediment, on which IHS and cross; pillasters supported by shells. Robert Bellere (1832) White tablet in Gothick frame George Woodyatt MD (1832) White tablet with cornice and pediement, the latter with large scallop shell. Snake coiled around staff in base of tablet Ann Fortune (1820) White tablet on gray background     Charlotte Ballard (1824) White tablet with pediment and base on black backing Ella Doveton (1921)  Wife of Ren. Preb. C. E. Maddison Green (Haggard)  (1921) Oval tablet, long axis vertical with wreath surround

Little Hereford  - St Mary Magdelene   Incised slab of lady in recess; c. 1340 This incised slab is in one of two recesses in the north wall of the chancel Joseph Bailey (1850) by J Evan Thomas There are also six floor slabs recorded

Lugwardine - St Peter [1] John Best STD, canon of Hereford and vicar. Tablet of slate and alabaster.   [3] William Reed, sheriff and JP, (1634) Note the two sons and two daughters kneeling at prayer desk. Further Monuments [2] Jane, successively wife of Robert Kirle and John Best (1622) Wooden tablet with brass plate with inscription and figure of a woman kneeling in a church. Lyonshall - St Michael [2] Male Civilian Probably 13th century. Headless. Remains of sword Further Monuments [1] James Lloyd (1693) Stone and marble tablet

Moccas - St Michael and All Saints The church is open during daylight hours. Follow signs to Moccas and then to Moccas Hall Hotel (which may be seen on the right); then turn left on a road signposted church. There is plenty of parking outside. Note that the door may be stiff to open and need a hard push. Above:[1] Knight of c. 1330. Note the layer of armour below the surcoat which is shortened at the front. Cross legs Effigy somewhat restored; chest probably original.     Mary Jane Cornewall (1839) Drowned in River Wye at 17 Catherine Cornewall (1835) Difficult to read, the incised letters having lost their colouring Sir George Corewall Bt (1835)     Other Monuments Charles _ Cornewall mostly illegible White tablet with pediment on gray backing Sir George Corewall Bt (1819) White table. Black base and shelf and pediment, in which arms Jane Cornewall (Naper) (1852) Gothick

Much Cowarne - St Mary   Above: [2] Late 13th century knight. The shield shows remains of a lion. His legs are crossed but broken off. [1] Sybil Read (1624) Recumbent effigy of a woman in costume on the period. The paneled back piece has kneeling effigies of two sons and two daughters with three shields of arms. [3]  Edmund Fox (1617) and his wife, Ann. Altar tomb with effigies of male civilian and lady. In front of the tomb chest  kneel three sons and seven daughters, while at the east end are three infants in a cradle. On the wall above is a tablet with shield of arms

Much Marcle - St Bartholomew The church is open; it is situated on a country road and you can park outside but space may be difficult. O/S Ref: SD 657 327  [5] Civilian (1360-70) Oak painted. Unidentified but said to be Walter de Helyon (c. 1350) . Note the cross legs - unusual for a civilian effigy. The effigy is said to have been originally in Ashperton but moved here when the chancel of that church collapsed.    [1] Blanche Mortimer, Lady Grandison (1347) The monument is of oölithic limestone and has three tiers: the tomb chest, the central space with the effigy, and the canopy. Note that the bottom of Blanche's gown falls over the lowest tier, obscuring the niche below.  There are a number of shields which are suspended by straps from a series of heads: on the tomb chest large beaked birds and lions alternate except the front westernmost which is from a dog; on the lower part of the canopy they are suspended from lions' heads, except for the central one which is from the head of a bearded man, and the most easterly which is from a dog. On the upper part of the canopy (the cornice) the straps are looped over flower heads. On the shields are the arms of Grandisson and Mortimer; assuming the repainted heraldry is an exact copy of the original painting the two shields most likely represent a marriage; the only known marriage between the two families was that of Blanche and Peter de Grandisson in 1320.   Blanche's head rests on a fat cushion and her feet on a dog; the latter is now headless but the head was originally a separate piece held by a dowel, as may be deduced from the hole which can still be seen. Unusually for the time her hands are not in prayer but rather the right lies across her waist while her left rests on her abdomen, holding a rosary. There are two rings on her right hand and one on her left. Blanche wears a elbow length fine veil over which can be seen on the forehead the front of a circlet. Under the veil  is worn a wimple and over all is second veil of thicker, heavier material. Her dress is extra long, falling over her feet; her cloak is even longer and is held by a cord passing from shoulder to shoulder.   Restoration of this monument began in 2011 and was completed in 2012; much was discovered during this conservation work. A body wrapped in lead was found inside the tomb chest lying on a rough bed of stones and covered by a stone shelf which also supported the effigy; this is unusual as burials associated with medieval monuments usually occur below the ground even if a tomb chest is present. Blanche's body had been wrapped in lead and the joints sealed by soldering; lead is an expensive material and could be afforded only by the wealthy. It seals the body, excludes air and so aids preservation. The lead was not opened but there were a few holes at the foot end and some small bones could be observed with an endoscope.   Very much more information - with many excellent photographs, including those taken during the dimantling of the monument prior to its restoration - may be found in The Tomb of Blanche Mortimer, Lady Grandisson by Brian and Moira Gittos. I believe this is only available from the church so contact the churchwarden at the church if you want a copy a copy. Who Was Blanche Motimer?   Blanche Mortimer was a daughter of Roger Mortimer, 5th Baron Wigmore and Earl of March, -1 a powerful Marcher Lord  who gained many estates on the Welsh Marches following marriage to a wealthy heiress, Joan de Geneville, 2nd Baroness Geneville.  Blanche was one of eleven children of this marriage, seven of whom were girls. She died in 1347 in her early forties.   Blanche married Peter de Grandisson (d. 1358) in 1320. He held substantial estates in Herefordshire in the Much Marcle area. His father, William, originally came from Grandisson, near Lausanne (now Switzerland) and entered service in England with Edmund, Earl of Lancaster, known as 'Crouchback', brother of King Edward I. His arms appear on the latter's tomb chest in Westminster Abbey. He died in 1358 and was buried in Hereford Cathedral.(shown here). The couple had no surviving children.   -1 There are a number of Roger Mortimer, but this is the particularly infamous one: he led the Marcher Lords in a rebellion against the King, Edward II, in what is known as the Despenser War. For this he was imprisoned in the Tower from where he escaped and joined Isabella, the King's wife, in France. Isabella - known as the 'She Wolf of France' - was the daughter of the French King Philip IV ('The Fair').-2 They almost certainly became lovers and successfully invaded an already divided England; London had declared for the rebels and the King fled, only to be captured in Wales.   The rebels declared King Edward II  unfit to rule and  Prince Edward - son of Edward II and Queen Isabella  - guardian of the kingdom; Prince Edward was then a minor so the power passed to Isabella - and her lover, Mortimer.  The king was forced to hand the great seal over to the rebels and this  was delivered to Prince Edward and Queen Isabella actually at Mortimer's residence in Much Marcle. In1327 the King was formerly deposed and Prince Edward - now 14  - crowned as Edward III. Edward II was held and afterwards probably murdered in Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire, most likely on the orders of Mortimer.     For over three years this unlikely couple effectively ruled the country before being overthrown in a rebellion led by the teenaged Edward III. Mortimer was hanged (but not drawn and quartered) as a traitor at Tyburn while Isabella, who was initially put under house arrest, was allowed to retire.   -2 In French he is known as Phillippe le Bel, 'Bel' here being an old form of French of 'Beau', fine or, here, handsome. The King was hardly 'fair' in the other - 'just' - sense of the word! King Edward III was later to claim the French crown by descent from his mother Queen Isabella. Phillippe's three sons each of whom became king after him all died without issue. This failure of the direct line of succession of the French crown was said to have been the result of a curse upon the French King from the last Master of the Temple, Jacques Molay, whom, with other Knight Templars he burned at the stake.   Above: [4] A tomb chest with effigies of late 14th century; unidentified but likely to be of Thomas Walwyn (1415) and his wife, Isabella (Hathaway). His mother was Joanna (de Helyon) was the daughter of Walter de Helyon: see the wooden effigy above. There is no inscription nore heraldry to confirm this identification but Thomas's will, written in English, exists and in it he asks to be buried in Much Marcle church. The style of the clothing and armour renders this identification likely. t [3] Sir John Kyrle Bt (1650) & Sibyl. Black marble & alabaster Above from left to right: 1) William Money (1808) and his wife, Mary (1813). Their children: Alice (1812) 6th daughter, 14; Vincentia (1816) youngest daughter 26; John (1825) youngest son 41; Vice-Admiral Roland CB (1860) 5th son. 78.  2) Thomas Smith (1792); his wife, Mary (1830); her brother, William Jones (1820). Signed: Millard. Glos'ter 3) Noble William Pytts (1770) The two Christian names are the surnames of his grandfather and his great-grandfather, both on the female line. Signed: Bryan ſculp  4) John Wallwyn (1686); and his wife, Mary (Winnington) (1725). Also, John Noble (1719); and his wife, Margaret (Wallwyn), who was the daughter of the above. The latter had 3 sons and 10 daughters, 5 of whom died in infancy: Frances (1734), who commissioned the monument; William (1739). 'The Bodies of whom lie Buried within this chancel). Also daughters: Mary Marsh (1752); Elizabeth Pitts (1769); Annabella Skinner (1770); Margaret (1771); Pye (1781); Martha (1785)  5) John Skinner (1764) and his first wife, Ann (Rogers) (1704). Also their daughter, Elizabeth (1784), 'whose remains are interred near those of her Parents'. Other Monuments George Money (1831); his wife, Pulcheries (Bourbel) (1865); their son, Sir Alonzo Money (1900) White tablet atop which draped urn; on black backing 2nd Lt Robert Cotton Money (1940) The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) KIA trying to rescue a fellow officer Simple gray tablet with military badge Daphnie Money (1968); wife of Mjr Gen Robert Cotton Murray CB MC (1985) Parents of Lt Money, above. Simple gray tablet with shield of arms Kyrle Ernle Money MA (1846) Vicar 3 years; Prebendary of Hereford Cathedral White tablet on black backing Hariet Louisa (1837) wife of Ernle Money Kryle (This is not a misprint of the above). Their son Franci Lovel who died in infancy. Also their sons John Francis (14) and George Stoughton (11), who both drowned in the River Lugg in 1868, the younger attempting to save the younger. White tablet on black backing Coroline Chatfield Money (1831) (11) 4th daughter of Rev Kyrle Ernle Money and his wife Mary Thomasa. Simple white tablet on black backing Rev William Money Kyrle MA (1848) 42 years Rector of Yatesbury, Wilts; afterwards Vicar or this parish; also his wife, Emma (1840) Large white tablet on large black base at the top of which coat of arms Agnes Jessie Pope (1968) and her husband, Comm Rowlnd Kyrle Cecil Pope RN (1976) Simple gray tablet Rear Admiral Michael Donald Kyrle Pope CB MBE DL (2008) Son of the above Simple gray tablet Mjr Gen Sir James Kyrke Money Bt (1842) and his wife, Caroline Anne (1875) White tablet on black backing. Tablet has wheat sheaf on top over which is draped a fabric which falls down side of tablet. The lady's details are added on the base Edward Kyrle (1841) Cpt EIC. His sons: Richard Walter (1847) 6th Lt 32nd Reg of Foot; James Stoughton (1852), 4th.  Rector of Yaresbury, Wilts; George Washbourne FKC (1832) White tablet on balck backing Mjr Audley Walter Washbourne Money-Kyrle (1908) 55th and 19th Regs Simple white tablet with black frame Florence Cecilia (1930) wife of the above Simple white tablet with black frame William Lowther Ernle Money-Kyrle (1880) Simple white tablet Ernle John Audley Money-Kyrle (1897) Simple white tablet Alice Eleanor Money-Kyrle (1890) Sister of William, above Simple white tablet Eugena Emma Money-Kyrle (1923) Sister of William, above Simple white tablet Mary Maitland Money-Kyrle (1940) Simple gray tablet Rowland Tracy Ashe Money-Kyrle (1928) Archdeacon of Hereford and Canon of the Cathedral. Brother of William, above Simple gray tablet with leaf border William Money Kyrle (1868) White tablet on black pedimental black marble base.  Draped arms of badge of wheat sheaf on top of the tablet Lt Col John Ernle Money-Kyrle (1894) 32nd regiment. His wife' Ada Frances (1918) White tablet on black marble base, both pedimented. Tablet has floral border. Catherine Moore Ponsonby Caulfeild (1834) White tablet with draped urn above and arms below, on black marble backing with curved pediment. John Elton (1765) and his son, Peter (1781) Simple round tablet Rev Prebendary Graham Frank Holley (2008) Vicar 1967-1994 Simple stone tablet John Murray Duncan (1936) Vicar 1922-1927, then precentor of St Paul's Cathedral, Uganda Simple stone tablet Allan William Chatfield MA (1896) Vicar 48 years Brass with patterened border on black backing Edward Wallwyn (1831) Barrister of Inner Temple Low pedimented white tablet on black base Charles Radcliffe Wallwyn Cooke MP (1911) Brass on black backing Mary Duncan Cooke (1923) 2nd daughter of above White tablet with marble frame Mary Cooke (1861) 21; her mother, Mary Anne Cooke (1871); and her father, Robert Duffield (1882) White tablet with plain paediment and base on black marble backing. Signed: J Hards  Henry St Ross Commander Radcliffe Cooke RN ([1]98_) Brass with embossed lettering on black backing John Barnes; his wife, Isabella; their son, John. No dates or details. Added below; but these incised letters have not been painted, unlike the former: ' Alſo Mary, their Daughter. Alſo Ann Hooper, their Dau.r' Very plain vertical white tablet. The lower half is blank Easter Godsall (1812); her husband, Thomas Godsall (1819) Black and white tablet with pediment and apron. Signed: G_[oc]h (Gooch?) Dudley Persse White (Col Austrailian Army) and his wife, Lynette Carle Incised wooded tablet on gray stone backing Tomas Wigmore Wilding (1954) Headmaster of Much Marcle School 1922-46 Simple stone table The west window was restored by the above in memory of his wife, Florence Amy Wilding (1949); to her mother, Mary Martha Deakin (1932); and to the above's parents, Thomas (1931) and Jane (1931) Wilding Tablet similar to above Thomas Charles (1912) Church warden 1870-1906; his wife, Sarah (1891); their, son James Alfred Henry Charles (1914) church warden 1906-1912

Pembridge - St Mary The church is open. Parking is difficult: there is a car park a short distance from the church, otherwise there is scattered street parking. Nevertheless, this is an interesting and friendly church and well worth a visit. [1] The above is described by the RCHM as an altar tomb with two pairs of effigies and dated mid-14th century, giving the monument a single reference number. I was unable to remove the chairs but the effigies certainly do not seem to fit, there being a later extension of the chest at the east end. They are against the north wall of the chancel. Local volenteers have made full size copies of the clothing and these are on display, on manikins, in a class case in the church. Details are shown below. Civilian/Lady Western pair. The man wears a turban head dress, belted cotehardi reaching the knees and a loose cloak. He carries a dagger and his feet rest on a lion. The lady wears a square headress, hanging sleeves, and a button cloak. Her feet rest on a dog. Civilian/Lady Eastern pair. The man wears the robes of a serjeant-at-law: coif with chin strap, long robe and short cape. His feet rest on a lion. The lady wears a gown with tight sleeves, cloak tucked under her left arm, wimple and veil. Her feet rest on a dog.   [2] Anne Sherborne (Cocks) (1668/9)   [3] Thomas Trafford STP (1685) [5] Alice Sherborne (Davenant) (1660) Wife of William, rector. [6] William Sherborne (1671) Probably but now illegible [7] Thomas Hopwood (1679) Note: Photographs of three of the above were originally taken by Michael Statham and sent to me to include on this page. They were excellent photographs but I wished to include others which were similar. I therefore retook these plus three others. Mr Stathsm's photographs are now on file. Above left: [8] Walter Carwardine (1706) Tablet with scrolls and half round head. Centre: Edward Croxall Whitehead (1922) Cpt Indian Army.  Right: Rev Henry Evans MA (1793) Rector; his wife, Elizabeth (1799). Rev Henry's sisters: Joyce Evans (1776); and Anna Margaretta Williams (Evans) (1790); and Elizabeth Evans (1798); and his brother, Evan Evans (1794); and his son, John Evans (1824).  Also Martha Williams (1768), daughter of Anna Margarette Williams. Also Mary Ann Evans (Steward) (1844) , wife of Henry Evans. Also Charlotte Elizabeth Steward (1844) sister of Mary Ann Evans. Also Rev Henry Evans MA (1848).  Near right top: John Williams (1791) Near right bottom: [4] Jane Breton (Sherborne) (1656) Wife of Robert, Minister of Pembridge. Tablet in moulded alabaster frame.  Far right top: Sybill Anne James (1787) and her husband, John James (1799). Far right bottom: John Guard STP (1829) Latin text Other Monuments   Elizabeth Huish (Hornsby) (1792) and her husband, rector, John Huish BD (1802) White marble tablet with narrow cornice John Bowle Evans JP DL (1906), and his son, Frederick Bowle Evans (1896) White tablet, black back Dr Neil Balfour Reid MB ChB (2004) General Medical Practitioner 3 years White tablet Frederick Reginald Sturridge MC (1963) Physician and surgeon. London and Pembridge Stone tablet Susanna Davies (1775) and her parents: Samuel (1780) and Elizabeth (1800). Also Sarah (1830), daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Large whie tablet with apron, cornice and pediment     There are nine floor slabs, three brasses, and a coffin lid used as masonry reported.

Stretford - Sts Cosmas and Damian Stretford is a village on a (yellow) Roman Road running north-south and being south-east of Leominster; it is marked on the O/S map and that is where your SatNav will take you. The village is clearly signposted on the road when you reach it; however, there is no church there. The actual church is  about one mile away and there is no direct road to it. You need to take the A4410 (also a Roman Road) which also runs north-south but is south-west of Leominster. There is a signpost to the church east from this road between the B44577 (which joins the A4410 from the west) and where the A4410 crosses the A44 at a staggered cross roads. Follow this signposted yellow road to the church which is surrounded by farm buildings. The church is marked 'Stretford' on the map but this could easily refer to a farm or other building in the area. The church is open and you can park outside - limited space. O/S Ref: SO 443 558 The church is now under the care the Churches Conservation trust. The Shrine of Saints Cosmas and Damien. [1] Knight and Lady in recess with a moulded ogee arch. The knight wears mixed mail and plate armour and a surcoat shortened at the front. He carries a shield with athe arms of Delabere. His feet reat on a beast. The lady wears a wimple and a long gown with tight sleeves. C. 1320-30 and possibly Robert Delabere and his wife, Margaret (Gamage) [2] Knight and Lady similar to far left, but she wears a sideless gown and her feet rest on a beast. In plain pointed arch. C. 1340-50 and possibly Sir John Delabere and his wife, Agnes (Turberville) Black Candles ? or Who Were Saints Cosmas and Damian ?   Don't panic when you see those black candles: it is not what you might think!   Little is actually known about Saints Cosmas and Damian, except that they were suffered martyrdom under the persecution of the Roman Emperor Diocletian (245-313) in Syria. According to tradition they were twin brothers from Arabia who became skillful physicians and surgeons, practising in Syria then under Roman rule. They refused to take any payments for their healing skills. They became Christians and, with their three younger brothers, were tortured, refused to renounce their faith, and so were then executed (c. 283). It is said they were subjected to various method of execution - burning, drowning, stoning and crucifying - all to no effect; they were then beheaded.   Their veneration rapidly spread beyond Constantinople and churches were dedicated to them as early as the fourth century in Jerusalem, Egypt, and Mesopotamia. Their relics were said to have been buried in Cyrrus (Syria) from where they brought to Constantinople by the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Emperor Justinian who buried them in a dedicated church there. Their feast day is September 26th.   They are the patron saint of physicians, surgeons, pharmacists, and twins. There are very few churches -1 dedicated to them in the United Kingdom: other than here at Stretford these are in Southern England, and include a Greek Orthodox Church at Gospel Oak (North London). They also have images elsewhere: they are represented as statues on the front of Salisbury Cathedral where one, said to be Damian, holds a pestle and mortar, symbols of a pharmacist. Damian is represented as the dexter supporter of the arms of the British Dental Association.   The Black Candles.  This tale dates only from a collections of hagiographies of 13th century and appears only in Western Christianity. It is written that a verger (sometimes a deacon called Justin) had a diseased leg (either with a malignant tumour or gangrene) which could not be treated. Saints Cosmas and Damian appeared to the man in a dream and amputated the diseased leg; they then removed a leg from a recently deceased Ethiopian who had been buried nearby and transplanted this leg onto their patient. When the man awoke he found that he was cured and could now walk as well as before his illness. However one leg was white and the new one black!   This miracle is represented in Stretford Church (I do not know about the others) by using white and black candles in the candelabra on their feast day. This is a very curious tale but I have been unable to discover the significance of the different coloured legs.   -1 These (other than Stretford) are: Blean, Challock (both Kent); Keymer (Sussex); Sherrington (Wiltshire) as well as the aforementioned church at Gospel Oak

Tarringon St Philip and St James   [1] Lady, early to mid fourteenth century. She wears a sideless gown and cloak. In ogee arched recess. Head on pillow supported by broken angels   Weobley St Peter  St Paul Note: A notice on the door states that this church is normally opened; however when we arrived it was locked because of major work to the floor. I did write for permissions but received no reply. There is a little parking outside the church but there is a large free car park a very short walk away. Toilets in village [1] Col John Birch MP (1691)  Standing figure of man in armour holding a baton. He stands in a round headed niche on a pedestal. Trophies of arms. White and gray marble [2] Usually ascribed to Sir William Devereux (1402) but bearing the crest of Marbury. Stone altar tomb with alabaster effigy of man in armour of c. 1430. He wears a hip belt and an SS collar. His feet rest on a lion and his head on a helm with a Moor's head crest. The tomb chest has panels with blank shields. Defaced, arms missing. [3] Sir John Marbury (1437) and his unnamed wife. Knight and lady on altar tomb. The latter is made up of old and modern pieces and rests in a recess with a two pointed arch. He wears plate armour with the details similar to those above. The lady wears a sideless gown, cloak, collar and horned headdress. Her head rests on an age supported cushion. Both effigies are of alabaster and have lost their arms [4] Altar tomb with modern sides and ends. The slab is of marble with four round sinkings at the angles. Early sixteenth century.   There are reported six floor slabs dating from the fourteenth to early eighteenth centuries. Col John Birch fought for Parliament in the First Civil War. He proved to be a courageous and energetic officer, taking part in a number of battles and sieges. He was wounded at least twice, on one occasion being shot in the stomach. He did not fight in the second Civil War and was excluded from parliament by Pride's Purge, which sought to remove all those who wished to continue negotiations with King Charles, even though he had proved to be duplicitous and stubborn. Although a Presbyterian by upbringing he voted for the Tests Acts which required holders of public office to be members of the Church of England. He backed the Glorious Revolution in 165 against the Catholic James II.

The text on the monument at Ullingswick (left) reads: 'Here lyeth the body of John Hill gentleman heire to John Hill gent of the Nether courts who marryed the eldest daughter one of the co-heires of Hugh Brooke esquyer of Lounge Ashton in ye county of Somerset: lyneally descendinge from the house of ye Lord Cobham & had by her three sonns & two daughters: these armes came by hir and he departed the lyffe the thirde day of February in the XXXXIII yere of the raigne of oure soveraigne lady Queen Elizabeth Anno Domi 1590 upon whom the Lorde hathe mercy' Painted stone panel. John Hill (1590-1) is the recumbent figure. The kneeling figures are: his wife, Elizabeth (Brooke), their daughter, Jane and their sons, John and Francis.  Above, apart from the shield of arms are two shrouded infants although I cannot make them out on the photograph. Other Monuments A 14th century slab with calvary, chalice and book has had the initials IP 1699 cut upon it. Thought to be John Pitt.   Ullingswick  (no dedication)

Wolferlow - St Andrew   [1] Mid 13th century effigy of a lady. Interesting feature: The angels appear to be drawing a face cloth away from the lady's face, best seen in the photograph to the right. This is a very unusual feature and, to my knowledge, only occurs on a handful of military effigies in Yorkshire. Possibly, Joan de Genevile Other Monuments [2] Ursula Awbury (1665), Michael Hall (1640), William Hall (1640-1), Mathew Hall Jnr (1688), Mathew Hall Snr (1698), Elizabeth Hall (1701) and others. Tablet with arms and cherubs' heads. [3] Jacob Hall (1709) Small tablet with cherubs' heads. Probably the husband of Elizabeth , above   m m m m mmmmmmm mmmmm,,,,,,,,,,,, m m m

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