Nominal: 924 Hz Weight: 784 lbs Diameter: 33.5" Bell 1 of 6
Founded by Abraham I Rudhall 1710
Dove Bell ID: 1253 Tower ID: 12279 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Bushley: St Peter
Overview
Grid reference: SO 875 343
Bushley is a rural Parish in the lower division of the hundred of Pershore, in the county of Worcester, 5 miles to the south of Upton, and 1.5 miles to the north west of Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire, its post town. There has been a place of worship in Bushley for over 800 years and the present Church is thought to be the third to have been built on the site. The Church is a Grade II listed building and is a fine example of classic Victorian perpendicular architecture. It is built of blue lias quarried from Sarn Hill, with spire and ornamental work from Postlip stone. The church of St Peter was entirely rebuilt in 1843 by the Rev. Dr. E.C. Dowdeswell and consists of chancel, north and south transepts, nave and west tower, vestry and spire.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 275 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
There has been a place of worship in Bushley for over 800 years and the present Church is thought to be the third to have been built on the site.
The church of St Peter was entirely rebuilt in 1843 by the Rev. Dr. E.C. Dowdeswell and consists of chancel, north and south transepts, nave and west tower, vestry and spire.
The present chancel replaced a shallow original apse in 1857 and was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott. It is in the style of the 14th century and has a chapel on the south side opening to both chancel and transept.
The reredos was erected in 1902 by the Rev. E. R. Dowdeswell in memory of his wife, Mrs. A. L. Dowdeswell. The reredos has scenes of Jesus with St Peter, St Oswald, St Augustine and St Wulfstan, painted by George Ostrehan.
The font is ancient, and may be of late 12th-century date, the only relic of the earlier Church. It consists of a hexagonal cup shaped stone bowl, slightly chamfered on the angles. In 1842 it was found to be have been used in a farmyard where it had served as a drinking trough for about five years. It was taken to the churchyard and placed on a stone plinth, said to have been the base of one of the four great baulks of timber which carried the frame in the old tower. This stone still remains in the churchyard, but the font has been placed in the church on a new base. It replaced a font of white stone dating from 1843.
Exterior Description
The Church is a Grade II listed building and is a fine example of classic Victorian perpendicular architecture. It is built of blue lias quarried from Sarn Hill, with spire and ornamental work from Postlip stone.
Building Materials
Bath Stone
1843
Bath Stone
Blue Lias
1843
Blue Lias
Slate
1843
Slate
Interior
Interior Description
The present chancel replaced a shallow original apse in 1857 and was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott. It is in the style of the 14th century and has a chapel on the south side opening to both chancel and transept. On the north side the chapel is enclosed by an oak screen and on the west by one of iron supporting a rood with attendant figures. There is also a small vestry on the north side of the chancel.
The reredos was erected in 1902 by the Rev. E. R. Dowdeswell in memory of his wife, Mrs. A. L. Dowdeswell. The reredos has scenes of Jesus with St Peter, St Oswald, St Augustine and St Wulfstan, painted by George Ostrehan.
The gothic style reredos and stalls are well maintained and match the dark oak used throughout the Church, on an encaustic tiled floor.
The organ gallery, iron screen to the chapel, pews and fabric of the church were made to the architect's designs and installed by workmen from the Dowdeswell estate workshops. The timber used came from the Dowdeswell estate.
The Nave has two-light windows with hood-moulds, and three-light windows to transepts. Habington records that in the east window of the old church there were the effigies of Lord Edward le Despencer (d.1375) and his wife Elizabeth (d.1409), with the figure of the Blessed Virgin in the middle pane with the Saviour in her arms. The current east window is believed to date from 1856.
Fixtures and fittings
Clock
19th Century Clock with cast iron plate and spacer frame located in Tower made by Benjamin LewisVulliamy from London in 1843
Historical Notes
1843 - 1843
Period Qualifier: 2
Bells
Nominal: 1593 Hz Weight: 403 lbs Diameter: 25.88" Bell 2 of 6
Founded by Mears & Stainbank 1889
Dove Bell ID: 14200 Tower ID: 12279 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Nominal: 1391.5 Hz Weight: 448 lbs Diameter: 25.5" Bell 3 of 6
Founded by Abraham I Rudhall 1710
Dove Bell ID: 14201 Tower ID: 12279 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Nominal: 1258 Hz Weight: 504 lbs Diameter: 26.75" Bell 4 of 6
Founded by Abraham I Rudhall 1710
Dove Bell ID: 14202 Tower ID: 12279 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Nominal: 1173.5 Hz Weight: 560 lbs Diameter: 28.38" Bell 5 of 6
Founded by Abraham I Rudhall 1710
Dove Bell ID: 14203 Tower ID: 12279 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Nominal: 1037.5 Hz Weight: 616 lbs Diameter: 30.5" Bell 6 of 6
Founded by Abraham I Rudhall 1710
Dove Bell ID: 14204 Tower ID: 12279 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: SO 875 343
Burial and War Grave Information
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
The churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
There are no records of National Heritage assets within the curtilage of this site.
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | No |
| Solar Thermal Panels | No |
| Biomass | No |
| Wind Turbine | No |
| Air Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ev Charging | No |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
Sources
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