St Andrew’s Church is a fine example of an ancient Herefordshire church in a small rural community just four miles from the centre of the City of Hereford, and where people have worshipped God, been baptised, married and buried for over 800 years.   The church’s most distinctive feature is its black and white timber framed belfry that tops its Norman tower. The building is constructed with local red sandstone. Much of the fabric dates from the 12th century and there are a number of well preserved features from that period including some fine Norman arches and windows, and a very simple stone font.  

The building was extended to its present size over the subsequent two centuries.  Most of the windows were introduced at the same time, many of which later had added some fine examples of 19th century stained glass.  The Lady Chapel has a number of interesting features.  An impressive sandstone canopied reredos dating from about the 15th century; its origin is a mystery but it appears to have come from another church.  A 14th century double piscina.  Three memorial slabs in the floor, two of which commemorate members of the Whttington family. Dick Whittington himself is reputed to have come from a village nearby.  There is some particularly fine 19th century stained glass; the window just east of the main door is a fine example of the work of Thomas William Camm, an eminent member of the Arts and Crafts movement of artists; he was based in Smethwick in Birmingham.  In the chancel is the large memorial to Thomas Weare who fought alongside Wellington at Waterloo and was Aide de Campe to Queen Victoria. 

The organ is over a hundred years old and was built by Nicholson & Lord of Walsall. It is likely that  Sir Edward Elgar worked on some of his compositions here as when he lived nearby in Plas Gwyn on the outskirts of Hereford; he regularly visited the church and played the organ. The view from nearby Mordiford Bridge was the inspiration for one of his works (Elegy for String Orchestra, Op 58 composed in 1909).  

The Wye Valley Walk passes within two hundred and fifty metres of the church.  

Postcode: HR1 4JY. Grid Reference SO558380.   

The church is now open during the daytime for all to enjoy under current Covid precautions.

The Church is part of St Paul's with St Andrew's, belonging to the Hereford Diocese.

Regular services are currently suspended due to COVID19.

Current service times are as follows:

1st and 3rd Sundays

6.00pm Evening Worship

2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays

6.00pm Holy Communion

Remember please to still to bring a face mask in case others are more cautious than you. Please follow the current government restrictions. Also remember that we still cannot linger to talk beyond our households.

One of the village highlights is the vibrant church fete that takes place in June each year.  It's a wonderful family occasion with great food, delicious cakes, stalls, a bouncy castle and lots of games.  It's also a treat for classic car enthusiasts with over 30 iconic cars parking up for the day.  The day is a major fundraiser for the church and helps towards the costs of maintaining a 900 year old building.  In 2021, funds will go towards repairing the bell tower clock and heating system. 

If you would like to more about the work of St Paul’s and St Andrew’s please visit their website. 

www.stpaulshereford.org.uk