St Mary's Church, Beverston
History
Saxon and Norman foundations
The church is of Norman origins, most likely built upon a Saxon site. It was extended in around 1225 and in 1361 by Thomas de Berkeley, 5th Baron Berkeley, Lord of Berkeley Castle. The church boasts a tower of two stages and a pointed arch doorway on the South side with a sculpture of Christ that pre-dates the Norman Conquest.
Medieval and Tudor era
The South aisle was likely added in the 13th century. The Chancel was built in the 14th century, most likely in around 1361 when the nearby castle was refortified. The chancel screen is largely original timber and dates from the Fifteenth Century, later restored in the Nineteenth Century. The carved stone pulpit is of Tudor origin.
17th and 18th centuries
There are a number of late 17th and early 18th century monuments on the west wall, and a large monument in the south aisle to one William Tugwell dates from 1763.
19th century
By the 19th century the church had fallen into disrepair, and was in need of restoration. The roof dates to the Nineteenth Century and is by Lewis Vulliamy. At this time the rood screen was returned to the church, having served for some while as a pergola in the Rector's garden.
In 1884 Reverend Arthur Blomfield carried out renovations. Rev. Blomfield is buried at the Church.
Today
The church is designated as a Grade II* listed building. The church is open from nine to five every day.
Gallery
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18th Century Memorial Plaque
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Saxon Sculpture of Christ
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Tudor pulpit
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Memorial to William Tugwell
References
- ^ St Mary's, Beverston at Historic England Retrieved 23 August 2021
- ^ St Mary's, Beverston at Wasleys.org.uk Retrieved 23 August 2021
- ^ "St Mary's Church in Beverston". www.beverstonparishcouncil.org.uk. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
External links
- Official website Retrieved 23 August 2021
- St Mary's, Beverston at Historic England Retrieved 23 August 2021
- St Mary's, Beverston at Wasleys.org.uk Retrieved 23 August 2021