All Saints, Billesley

This endearing little church, approached through an avenue of lime trees, looks at first sight like a rustic Georgian building, with tall, round-headed windows with clear glass. Its classical features, however, mask a fascinating and much longer history.

The origins of the church go back as far as the 11th century, when there was a thriving village here. Some remains of the early church survive, in particular the two spectacular 12th century stone carvings, which you can see on the east wall of the vestry. One, a richly decorated tympanum, shows a soldier in a kilt, a snake, a dragon and a bird, all surrounded by wonderfully twisted foliage. The other is part of a stone cross on which is a carved figure of Christ holding the hand of another person.

The design of the interior reflects the major rebuilding that took place in 1692. There is a west gallery and box pews. The elegant fireplace and fine circular window in the south transept mark where once the occupants of the Hall nearby had their pew, and were able to worship in greater comfort and seclusion.

Tradition has it that William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway here, and that his granddaughter’s wedding also took place at Billesley. Sadly no parish registers survive from this time to prove it.

Please note that All Saint's Billesley will be closed to the public from 1 June - middle of July 2010 for repairs.