Eaton Bishop church is renowned for its stained glass

DATE: 18 – 20 June 2010.

We visited a collection of unique churches that have rare features and are diverse in architecture in a full two days of church heritage. South of the River Wye we have: Clehonger, All Saints which dates from the 12th to the 14th centuries and is notable in particular for its monuments which span 410 years from the 13th to the 17th centuries.

Eaton Bishop church possesses the finest glass in Herefordshire and has been said to stand at the peak of English glass-painting at its most glorious and has been dated to about 1330. Madley may not be as famous as Kilpeck but the quality of its architecture is outstanding. Put simply, Madley is just the finest church building in the country. It has magnificent architecture from the Norman, Early English and Decorated periods. The crypt is said to be the last constructed in medieval England. Tyberton church, internally, is the finest ‘traditional’ Georgian church in Herefordshire. John Wood the elder, who had designed Tyberton Court, converted the east end into an elegant apsidal covered by a half-dome. The reredos is the ‘piece de resistance’.

We will also visit Moccas church Bredwardine, and Clifford St. Mary’s with its superb oaken effigy of a priest dating from about 1310, one of only two in the country.

On Sunday we will concentrate on churches North of the river. These will include: Stretton Sugwas which has two treasures firstly the reset tympanum, the work of the Herefordshire School and secondly a very fine 15th century raised slab to Richard Greenway and his wife. Brinsop with two memorial windows to William and Dorothy Wordsworth, frequent visitors to Brinsop Court. Bridge Sollars, St. Andrews which consists of a Norman Tower and nave and an Early English chancel. Byford has a Norman nave and an Early English chancel. It also has remarkable wall paintings dating from the 14th century showing figures of St. Margaret and an unidentified lady.

Monington St. Mary’s is very late Gothic 17th Century,  dated to 1679. The century interior furnishings are a delight. There is not hint of classical architecture. And Letton, another St. John the Baptist dedication, this church consists of a Norman nave and late 13th century chancel.

Your tour guide:  David Stowell is a qualified Blue Badge Tour Guide with a comprehensive knowledge of the region, its history and its varied and interesting buildings.  His particular expertise and enthusiasm for the Wye Valley comes from living in Herefordshire and the surrounding counties for many years. After a busy career in industry he now delights in guiding people around the sights of the countryside he loves.

What’s included:

• Dedicated tour Director
• Wine reception
• All expert tuition
• Course pack
• All entrance fees/church donations
• All tea/coffee etc. whilst out
• Lunch on Saturday & Sunday
• 3 evening meals
• 3 nights B&B
 

Accommodation: The Three Counties Hotel: Standing in 3.3 acres of landscape gardens just 1 mile from the historic Cathedral City of Hereford, the hotel provides a peaceful haven. Yet step outside and you'll find that the Hotel is conveniently situated on the main road to Abergavenny, the gateway to Wales. A family-run 60 bedroom hotel offering excellent accommodation, an elegant restaurant and an informal, relaxing bar.

Cost: Three Night package: £350 per person (based on 2 sharing a twin/double room) Single supplement of £20 per night. Only want to stay two nights? Deduct £45 when you fill in booking form.