GloucestershireFRETHERNEStMary(rogerdaviesCC-BY-2.0)1 RogerDavies

St Mary

Gloucestershire's mini cathedral in the Severn Vale, a parish church built in High Gothic style by the Victorians, Francis Niblett's masterpiece.

Fretherne, Gloucestershire

Opening times

Covid19 : Following the restrictions required by the Covid19 Regulations St Mary's is now open on Wednesdays and Sundays, 9 am to 4 pm. For your safety and the safety of others, please follow all guidelines published in the church.

[Normally open : Weekends and bank holidays open from 10am to 4pm. Access at other times by arrangement.]

Address

Arlingham Road
Fretherne
Gloucestershire
GL2 7JQ

Known as Gloucestershire's mini cathedral, the current church on our site was dedicated in 1847 and was built of a warm brown Stinchcombe sandstone with Bath dressings in the late Decorated style by local architect Francis Niblett of Haresfield, with additions by the Oxford architect JW Hugall (who at one time had offices in Cheltenham) in 1857-9 and 1866. Francis Niblett was a great admirer of August Pugin who is famous for his work on the Houses of Parliament.

The walls are generally surmounted by parapets decorated with ornate pinnacles and there is much carving. The steeply pitched roofs and their related gables are an important feature of the church and are heightened by the decorative clay tiles on the north facing slopes of the north aisle and chancel.

Most of our windows are in stained glass by George Rogers of Worcester, some of it regarded as his best work. The inside of the roof is decoratively finished and all the surfaces are painted. The paintwork in the chancel is particularly interesting. The organ at the east end of the south aisle has a particularly decorative casing and on the wall of the organ chamber visible from the south aisle is a wall painting of three angels.

The site itself has had a church building on it for over 700 years, records indicate that the current church is the third to be built on the site.

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Ramp or level access available on request

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Church of England

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Mary, St Peter & St Paul

Westbury on Severn, Gloucestershire

The 700 year old parish church at Westbury on Severn has a separate stone tower, with an enormous wooden spire, newly clad in oak shingles, not far from the River Severn and next door to a National Trust water garden, the buildings are a landmark in the area.

St John the Baptist

Elmore , Gloucestershire

A Grade I listed church with ancient chests inside and table top tombs outside.