St Michael & All Angels
Brampton Abbotts, Herefordshire
A Norman church in the centre of Brampton Abbotts with glorious views of the Wye Valley and Herefordshire countryside.
St Mary’s is a traditional Grade I listed church.
The churchyard enjoys spectacular views across the Wye meandering downstream from the Hole in the Wall suspension footbridge towards Ross on Wye.
The present church’s origins stand in the 13th century during the reign of Henry III, when the nave and chancel were built. Sir Robert de Tregoz, the local lord, died with Simon de Montfort at Evesham in 1265. The stone from his demolished castle opposite was probably later used to construct the 14th century bell tower. The bell tower roof shows evidence that there was once an octagonal spire. During the same period the rare decagonal font was also installed. It is the largest in the shire.
In the 15th century the Abrahall family appear as lords of the manor and benefactors restoring much of the building including the chancel east wall. They add the fine Jacobean oak detail of the screen, choir stalls, pulpit and nave’s battlemented cornice. The family also held the incumbency for almost three centuries. Their heraldic ‘urchin’ crest and motto ‘j’ay guardé la foy’ in ancient French or ‘I have kept the faith’ appear on many of the memorials the most notable of which is by Esau Osborn of Bristol.