St Mary's Church, Kempley
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This simple Norman church in Gloucestershire, remote from the village it once served, has the oldest timber roof of any building in England. Its greatest glory, however, comes from having some of the best preserved medieval wall paintings in Britain. Those in the chancel are particularly rare, dating from the early 12th century, and are the most complete set of Romanesque frescos in northern Europe. The paintings are a vivid reminder of a time when church interiors were covered in such paintings. They tell stories from the Bible, depict the lives of saints, and show terrifying visions of demons and eternal damnation. This site is managed by the Friends of Kempley Church. Read more about the history of St Mary's Church, Kempley. For information sheets describing the wall paintings, click on these links: The Wheel of Life, Saints and the Virgin, The Apocalypse, The Chancel, The Chancel Arch and Easter Drama. Dont Miss Kempley Daffodil Weekend Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th March 2017 10.30am - 5.00pm. St Mary's Church will be open all weekend as part of the weekend and a number of guided walks will take in the Church and other interesting nearby sites. Crafts and foods will be available at the Village Hall and a scarecrow competition display at St Edwards Church. For more information visit www.daffs.org. uk or Contact Press Officer Martin Brocklehurst: martin.brocklehurst@me.com 01531 805097. Before You Go Opening Times: The Church is open daily from March to October. Group bookings and winter appointments can be made by calling 0117 975 0714 / 0709. View details. Parking: There is limited free car parking available on the roadside opposite the church. School Visits/Large Parties: Booking is essential - please call the number above. Plan a Great Day Out St Mary's Church sits roughly halfway between Rotherwas Chapel, the family place of worship for the Bodenham family, and Odda's Chapel, one of the most complete surviving Saxon churches in England. Just nine miles away from St Mary's Church is Goodrich Castle, a magnificently preserved medieval fortress. It offers a fascinating history, spectacular views from the battlements and a delightful tearoom. | |||||||||||||||||||||||