Church of St Mary Magdalene, Croome D'Abitot, Worcestershire
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Interior of the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Croome D'Abitot. Photo: Tom Jones -
Photo: Tom Jones -
View of Capability Brown's Croome Park from the top of the tower at the Church of St Mary Magdalene. Photo: Matt Hart -
The Church of St Mary Magdalene, Croome D'Abitot. Photo: The CCT -
Memorial to the Coventry family at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Croome D'Abitot. Photo: The CCT -
Bible at the Church of St Mary Magdelene, Croome D'Abitot. Photo: The CCT -
Photo: Tom Jones
- Overview
- Map
- What's nearby
A masterpiece of architectural fantasy
The original church at Croome was demolished by the 6th Earl of Coventry when he decided to replace his adjacent Jacobean house in the 1750s. His new house and park were designed and laid out by Capability Brown as was the church, set on a low hill nearby in Croome Park as an 'eye catcher'. The views out to the Malvern Hills on a clear day are spectacular.
The interiors of both house and church are attributed to Robert Adam and were completed in 1763. Built by some of the finest craftsmen in England, every detail has been considered, from pretty plaster mouldings to handsome carved pews - the church is a perfect fantasy of the period, with elegant Gothick windows and plasterwork, pulpit, communion rails, commandments and creed boards.
Opulent monuments brought from the old church, long since demolished, show the former Barons and Earls of Coventry in their full glory. The earliest - in black and white marble - shows the 1st Lord, who died in 1639, reclining under a canopy. The monument to the 1st Earl, who died in 1699, is missing because the 2nd Earl disapproved of his father's second marriage, at an advanced age, to a servant, Elizabeth Graham. His monument is now in the nearby church of St Mary's at Elmley Castle instead.
St Mary Magdalene is open whenever Croome Park is open - see the National Trust's Croome Park website for detailed opening times.
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Church of St John the Baptist, Strensham, Worcestershire
3.14 miles
A dazzling interior
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All Saints' Church, Spetchley, Worcestershire
5.55 miles
Spectacular life-size monuments
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St Michael's Church, Churchill, Worcestershire
5.75 miles
A tiny atmospheric church
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Access information
Through the National Trust property on gravel path towards Croome House, then over the grass to a level, stone-paved, wide entrance at the west end under the tower.
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Facilities & Hire
Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a very small number have heating, running water or toilet facilities. The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor.
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Directions
4m W of Pershore off A38 & A44; follow the National Trust signs to Croome Park. The church is on the top of the hill overlooking the house and park. Parking at National Trust car park. Access to church via visitor centre.
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Transport
Nearest railway station: Pershore (7 miles). Bus route number 362.
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History & Further Information
Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church before you visit? You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church.
Worcestershire and Herefordshire County Guide
This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches we care for in Herefordshire & Worcestershire. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.
Croome Walk Around Guide
This short, full colour walk round guide contains a floor plan of the church and highlights of things to see during your visit. You can purchase a printed copy of this from the church (50p) or download in advance (free/optional donation).
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Community information
Click here to download a copy of the CP which sets out the shared vision for the future of the church. This is a working document that will be updated on a regular basis. If you have any feedback or if you want to contact us about the church plan please drop us a line. When you write, please do give the name of the church, thank you!,
Latest church plan:
Croome Church Plan - November 2023.pdf 2
Croome Park
The Church of St Mary Magdelene is situated inside Croome Park, more than 650 acres of landscaped parkland designed by Lancelot "Capability" Brown, with an Neo-Palladian mansion at its heart which features internal rooms designed by Robert Adam. The Park is now in the hands of the National Trust.
Other local links
- Visit Worcestershire
- Things to do in Worcestershire
- Family Days out in Worcestershire
- Worcestershire Archaeological Society
- Worcestershire Industrial Archaeology & Local History Society
- The Birmingham and Midland Society for Genealogy and Heraldry
- A list of churches in Worcestershire
- Worcestershire is in the Diocese of Worcester