Weight: 392 lbs Diameter: 25.75" Bell 1 of 3
Founded by John Martin (generic) 1680
Dove Bell ID: 63333 Tower ID: 25289 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Kempley: St Mary
Overview
Grid reference: SO 669 312
The chancel and nave are Early Norman. The tower dates from c. 1276. The porch was then added in the 14th century. Roughly dressed stone, presumably the local sandstone, of varying sizes. Stone slate roof coverings for chancel, nave and pyramidal roof of the tower.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Squat west tower, aisleless nave, and slightly narrower chancel. Half-timbered south porch.
Description of Archaeology and History
The chancel and nave are Early Norman. The tower dates from c. 1276. The porch was then added in the 14th century.
Exterior Description
Roughly dressed stone, presumably the local sandstone, of varying sizes. Stone slate roof coverings for chancel, nave and pyramidal roof of the tower.
The tower is of two stages, the upper stage battered inwards to a modest degree at approximately the same height as the top of the wall. The north wall has two openings, both with a single chamfer and markedly triangular shaped heads. The south and west faces have similar openings, the lower one on the south face having been renewed. The masonry of the north wall of the tower deserves a further mention. The lowest half dozen or so courses are of large stones, and above that diminish in size. There is a deliberate pattern of courses alternating between flat stones and deeper stones. This pattern can be traced right to the top of the north face of the tower, though it does not appear elsewhere. The south face of the tower is supported by two massive buttresses rising almost to the full height. The buttresses each have two moulded set-offs, and look 14th century in date.
The nave has two openings in the north wall; a large semi circular headed window, some of the stones surrounding which seem to have been renewed, and a tiny Romanesque opening which appears entirely (or almost entirely) original. The chancel has a north door which is slightly pointed in form, and may be 13th century in date, and there is a small north window similar to the more easterly window of the nave. Between the door and the window is a modern buttress, somewhat unsympathetic in appearance. There is a similar buttress on the south side, where the window has a trefoiled head and looks to be 14th century.
The east wall of the chancel has a principal lower east window consisting of a single semi-circular headed light and another opening in the gable which is of the scale of the north chancel window. This latter opening has a chamfered edge. The east window proper seems to have been enlarged, not long after the original building of the church, and from the outside the sill of the smaller - sized window can be seen where it still forms the centre of the present window-base.
The half- timbered porch, considered to be 14th century in date, has a roof covering of stone slates, which projects still further. Between the porch and the chancel the nave south wall has two windows. A tall two-light Decorated window, dating from the 14th century, comes first. The principal lights have trefoiled heads of an elegant profile, and in the head of the window is an extended quatrefoil. Close to it, and perhaps added in the 18th century to provide more light for the pulpit, is a segmental-headed opening glazed with leaded lights.
Building Fabric and Features
Stained Glass
c. 1870
Chancel east. A window of good quality by C.E. Kempe, presumably of c. 1870. It depicts the Virgin and Child seated on a diapered - throne. There are four angels, two of whom are offering gifts the Crown of Thorns and a basket of flowers respectively.
Stained Glass
1949
Chancel north. Small representation of St. George
Stained Glass
c. 1932
Chancel south. A memorial to Edith Agnes Jones of Kempley Vicarage, d. 1932.
Stained Glass
c. 1932
Nave north , i.e. the small Romanesque window. Three symbols of the Blessed Virgin are worked into an attractive design. A memorial to Edith Agnes Jones of Kempley Vicarage, d. 1932.
Interior
Interior Description
The floor of the nave is paved with stone slabs, some of which are ledger slabs. There is an excellent ledger in freestone near the south door, the inscription naturally being rather worn. The nave is at present ceiled by a flat wooden ceiling sup ported by rafters, one of which is dated 1611.
The chancel arch is supported by two pairs of attached columns, the capitals of which have the carving identified as "vesticial rams' heads". There is a fillet between the two orders, coloured red round the arch. In the middle of the inner order is a band of saltire crosses, picked out in colour, and the edge of the outer order is ornamented by deeply-cut chevrons. The soffit of the arch is painted with a red and white chequerboard pattern.
Fixtures and fittings
Font (object)
c. 16th Century
The bowl is circular and without decorative enrichment. The supporting stem, consisting of two large stones, seems probably to be original but the base is modern.
Pulpit
The three visible panels are three sides of an hexagon and there are three carved panels inset below the richly moulded top.
Lectern
Late 19th - Early 20th Century
Stall
Late 19th - Early 20th Century
Rail
Late 19th - Early 20th Century
Bells
Weight: 448 lbs Diameter: 27.5" Bell 2 of 3
Founded by John Warner & Sons 1913
Dove Bell ID: 63334 Tower ID: 25289 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Weight: 588 lbs Diameter: 30.75" Bell 3 of 3
Founded by Worcester foundry
Dove Bell ID: 63335 Tower ID: 25289 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: SO 669 312
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.
It is unknown whether 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 | N/A |
| Solar Thermal Panels | N/A |
| Biomass | N/A |
| Wind Turbine | N/A |
| Air Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ev Charging | N/A |
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
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