St Mary's Church, Wormsley

2013-06-26

A tiny church with ancient origins

Prettily set in hilly country, this tiny church has Norman origins although the shape of the churchyard, and its prominent position suggest an earlier foundation.

The nave, font and south doorway are 12th-century and the double bell-cote is 13th. In the churchyard are early 19th-century table tombs to Richard Payne Knight and his brother Thomas.

Both were born nearby and, in different ways, each made their mark on the wider world: Richard was an archaeologist, architect and writer, while Thomas was an expert fruit grower who developed new varieties of apples.

This church is also part of our Five Churches Trail, which takes you on a wonderful journey around the rural heartland of Herefordshire.