St Michael & All Angels

The present church resides on an ancient foundation but was constructed in the 13th century and extended in the 14th and 15th centuries, with a substantial Victorian 'facelift' in 1865. It is Listed Grade I and is of national architectural and historical importance, as well as housing one very early medieval bell. There have been a series of extensive restorations over the centuries most notably in 1865 when the whole of the interior was remodelled. Whilst it now encloses 'modern conveniences' they do not detract from the vertical lines of the perpendicular arches of the nave. There are some glorious Victorian stained glass windows in the nave whilst, stepping up into the chancel, visitors can enjoy the fine carvings on the 'poppyheads' at the end of the choir stalls and the rooster and pelican carvings on the underside of the two 'mercy seats' for the clergy. The ornamental stone reredos behind the Altar and in front of the east window depicts Leonardo da Vinci’s 'The Last Supper'.

Outside the church there are sweeping views west over apple and pear orchards. The adjacent school. This was founded and endowed by Mary Gibbon in 1678 and is believed to be one of the oldest primary schools in the country (there is a large wooden memorial commemorating Mary’s life and generosity high on the left-hand wall of the bell tower).

Mary Gibbon’s tomb is to the left of the church path as you walk back to the road. It is set back in the corner formed between the Lady Chapel and the Chancel close to the outside wall of the church.