The Kingsland Group of Parishes

The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Eardisland

The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin

A place of worship as probably stood on the site of the present church since Saxon times. Of the present building the Nave was built in the 12th century (probably being the total extent of the Church at that time) and the Chancel, Vestry and South Porch were added in the 14th Century. The original Tower (of probable 15th century origin) collapsed in 1728 and was replaced by the present one in 1760.
 
There was a restoration of the whole church under the London architect Henry Curzon, which was completed in 1864 at a cost of £2000. In this the Chancel and Tower arches were rebuilt and an Organ Chamber added.
 
ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS AND POINTS OF INTEREST
 
Windows. The East Window, of four trefoiled lights with net tracery in a two-centred head with a moulded label, depicts the four British Patron Saints and other well-known Saints. The present glass (by Burlison and Grylls) dates from 1902 and was given by Mrs. Clowes of Burton Court.
 
Four of the original deep lancet windows remain (three in the North Nave, one in the South); the others were probably replaced in the 14th century by larger windows to improve the light - the two Easternmost windows in the Nave are probably 14th century (with modern glass) while the SouthWest window is modern, with glass depicting the Good Shepherd and with a Tudor-style house in the background, and was given in memory of Neville Packer of Weston. The only old stained glass remaining is at the top of the window by the Pulpit.
 
Roof. The Chancel roof is of the trussed rafter type, with curved braces forming two-centred arches, and is of 14th century origin.
The Nave roof dates from the 1864 restoration, though retaining the 16th century tie-beam against the West wall. This beam is finely carved, with a running vine ornament.
 
Pews. The present pews were installed in 1864 and replaced the earlier oak box pews.
 
Pulpit, Font & Lectern. All 19th century.
 
Recesses (various). In the North wall of the Chancel (containing the Organ Chamber) and in the South wall (possibly a tomb) - both 14th century; a blocked-up doorway in the South Nave was probably the Priest's entrance prior to the building of the Chancel.
 
Sedilia (seats for officiating clergy). South side of Sanctuary: 14th century.
 
Piscina (for washing vessels). South side of Sanctuary: 14th century.
 
Cupboard in South wall of Nave. Was used for storing the Clowes family Prayer Books. The door was carved in 1902. Holy Water Stoup (near South Door). Sawn in half in the 19th century to make room for an extra pew.
 
The Organ. A modern, two-manual, instrument in a carved oak fretting case by Hill, Norman and Beard and given by Col. & Mrs. Clowes of Burton Court in memory of their son killed in the Great War.
 
The Bells. There is no record of the original bells, which were presumably damaged at the time of the collapse of the earlier Tower in 1728. For the rebuilt Tower a ring of 5 bells was cast by Abraham Rudhall. These were rehung by Greenleaf & Tristram (of Hereford) in 1906 with a new treble by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry being added. But in 1950 the timbers of the bell frame were found to be unsafe as the result of a death-watch beetle attack. The bells were taken down and recast and, with the addition of two new bells (one given in memory of Edith Fanny Griffiths, the other being inscribed 'To commemorate the Coronation of H.M. Queen Elizabeth 11, 2nd June 1953'), rehung in a new cast-iron frame. While Taylors of Loughborough cast the bells and supplied the new frame the actual installation was effected by local men, H. Myatt and L. Evans. This ring of eight bells was dedicated in 1953 and has been rung regularly ever since, enjoying a reputation as the most perfect ring of bells in Herefordshire. The Tenor weighs over 12cwt, being 411/2" diameter and in a key of G-natural. More details of bells
 
The Clock. The eight-day striking clock as made in 1873 by Leeson of Coleshill at a cost of £65, plus P-9. 4s. 2d. for installation.
 
TO COMMEMORATE AD 2000 . . . . .
 
We have undertaken a number of improvements.
 
A new social and exhibition space has been created at the west end of the Nave. This is enclosed by two new screens: the large plate glass Millennium Screen which fills the Tower Arch and the wood Nave Screen which incorporates the surviving portion of a 15th century screen.
 
In the Tower, new staircase/ ladders now provide access to the clock, bells and all stages of the Tower up to the roof. The Clock has been converted to automatic winding.
 
We hope you will visit our church and that you find your visit enjoyable and uplifting.