Pictures of Kilpeck

About Kilpeck

Hidden away in one of England's most glorious little medieval villages, lies what is without doubt, the finest small Norman church in Britain.

The church of St.Mary and St.David is said to have been built in around 1145, and although of Norman origin, there is hardly any feature in the church that reminds us of Norman architecture. There is a strange, elaborate beauty about this little church. The exquisite sandstone decoration to the south west door is almost overwhelming. It is a fantasy of fruit, welsh warriors, dragons, serpents and flowers, intricately arranged in great detail. The exterior also features finely detailed corbels which run entirely round the church. Some of the motifs to the carving on the chancel arch are identified with those to the facade of St.James's at Compostela. There is a window from the 19th-century designed by A.W.Pugin but other windows date from medieval times. Part of the nave is Saxon and the bell-cote was restored during the 19th-century.

The ruins of the Castle of Kilpeck, thought to have originated in the 8th-century as a fortified Saxon stronghold, can be found next to the church.

This is an ancient part of Herefordshire with medieval villages dotted all around. The countryside is beautiful, all hops, fruit and tranquil farmlands. It is an experience that will leave many lingering memories, a place not to be missed.