Aconbury: St John the Baptist
Overview
Grid reference: SO 516 335
The small church is all that remains above ground of the old priory which was suppressed in 1536. It is probable that the original church extended somewhat further east than the present building, forming part of one side of a cloistered quadrangle. The building material used is the local sandstone and the roof coverings are of Broseley tiles. The walls are extremely thick.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
A small single-cell building with the porch in the centre of the west front and a bell-cote with a shingled spirelet at the west end.
Description of Archaeology and History
A priory of Austin nuns was founded in Aconbury early in the 13th century by Margery, wife of William de Lacy. The existing church, being that of the convent, was built c.1230-1240. The timer west porch was added late in the 15th century and the Chandos vault constructed beneath the chancel in the early 18th century. The building was sensitively restored by G.G. Scott in 1863.
Exterior Description
The small church is all that remains above ground of the old priory which was suppressed in 1536. It is probable that the original church extended somewhat further east than the present building, forming part of one side of a cloistered quadrangle. The building material used is the local sandstone and the roof coverings are of Broseley tiles. The walls are extremely thick.
The partly restored and reset early 14th century east window is of three lights in a two-centred head-with a 15th century moulded label and head-stops; the side lights are pointed and the mullions are carried up to the head on either side of the middle light; in the gable is a round window of the same date, with a moulded label. In the north wall are three windows, the easternmost a 13th century lancet; the middle and westernmost windows, also of the 13th century, are each of two cinquefoiled lights in a two-centred head with a quatrefoil in the tympanum; the mullion has a moulded capping. At. the eastern end of the south wall, are two lancet windows similar to that in the north wall, but these are set at a higher level to avoid the roof of the former cloister.
Building Fabric and Features
Stained Glass
13th Century
In the north east window are two quatrefoils of grisaille foliage and portions of similar panels.
Interior
Interior Description
The interior walls of the church are covered with painted decoration in the form of ashlaring with a small flower in the centre of each painted block. The present scheme undoubtedly dates from the 1863 restoration but Pevsner suggests that it may represent an older scheme. The windows are all set in deep reveals and these are also painted, but with a curvilinear design. Under the westernmost of the windows in the north wall is a tomb recess with a deeply moulded arch, the head of which breaks into the splay of the window. The whole interior is covered with a five-sided timber roof, boarded and panelled, with bosses at the intersections of the rafters and purlins. The floor is tiled throughout. A number of pieces of carved stone are incorporatedin the structure at various points in the building; thus on the splays of the east window are set some pieces of late 17th century stone carving, including a cartouche, a cherub-head and a winged scull while some stones with 13th century carving are incorporated in the dwarf walls of the porch.
Fixtures and fittings
Font (object)
c. Late 19th Century
Stone font with octagonal bowl on a tapering octagonal shaft.
Piscina (object)
In the south wall between the two doorways is a recess with moulded jambs and a trefoiled head, beneath is a quatrefoiled drain with.the front party out away.
Churchyard
Grid reference: SO 516 335
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
Submit a change
If you notice something incorrect or missing, please explain it in the form below and submit it to our team for review.