HerefordshireEATONBISHOPStMichaelAllAngels(fabianmustoCC-BY-SA2.0)1 FabianMusto

St Michael & All Angels

Dating back to the Norman Conquest, our church has one of the oldest examples of a medieval stained glass window in the country, dating back to the year circa 1320.

Eaton Bishop, Herefordshire

Opening times

Open most days during daylight hours.
Or contact Linda Carter 07746 299229.

Address

Rectory Meadow
Eaton Bishop
Herefordshire
HR2 9QD

The church boasts some of the finest medieval stained glass in England and although the exact date when it was founded is unknown, it is likely that a stone church with a nave and a chancel existed on the site prior to the Norman invasion in 1066. The squat, rectangular tower was added in the 12th century, possibly by the Bishop of Hereford, where most likely an earlier tower existed, based on the Saxon style of windows and the shape of the tower. 

The church is described as having been rebuilt a number of times in the centuries that followed, with the tower thought to be been erected around the 11th century The nave, aisles and chancel were added some two or three centuries later and at some point during the 13th century, the nave was heightened and widened. 
The font is also believed to be from the same period with the later addition of a Victorian bowl. The pulpit is of a wingless design, boasting wonderfully carved wooden panels and in the chancel is a 14th century Sedilia composed of three bays.

During the mid 19th century, revocations were carried out on the building and under old plaster, traces of rich patterns of stars and were stripes were found. The church was finally re-opened in December 1859 just in time to celebrate Christmas.

The highlight of St Michael & All Angels is without doubt the wonderful medieval stained glass of the chancel. The east window is composed of five vertical lights and diminishes in height from the centre panel. The glass adorning the windows was created between the years 1320-1340 and was probably made in France, but designed and assembled locally. During the second world war, the glass was removed for safekeeping and stored in the nearby vicarage. 

The stained glass is an extraordinary medieval achievement and we invite you to come along to see something quite extraordinary. It has been described by the late Nicholas Pevsner as the finest in the county.

  • Captivating architecture

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Wildlife haven

  • Dog friendly

  • On street parking at church

  • Steps to enter the church or churchyard

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Church of England

Contact information

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