Church of St Nicholas of Myra, Ozleworth, Gloucestershire

Address:
Ozleworth, Wotton-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 7QA
How to find us | Access information
Opening times:
Open daily For enquiries please contact Local Community Officer Isobel Milne [email protected] stating which church your enquiry relates to.
  • Overview
  • Map
  • What's nearby

A beautiful church with a fascinating octagonal tower and an ancient churchyard...

Travellers on the Cotswold Way would find Ozleworth's beautful church near to the Newark Park estate in remote and beautiful country.

Up a deep narrow valley, this lovely little Norman church stands in a circular churchyard, which suggests an early and perhaps pre-Christian site. You are immediately struck by the sight of the irregular hexagonal tower rising almost from the centre of the building.

It is Norman, and probably originally was the nave of a small chapel. Gaze up into the tower's roof and you'll see how uneven all six sides are. But while the exterior still speaks of the church's ancient past, most of the interior reflects its Victorian refit.

The doorway through which you enter the church is superbly carved, with exuberant curves and leaf decoration. The arch in the west tower wall is similarly splendid. Both are remarkable examples of fine workmanship and intricate design from the thirteenth century.

The font, though of the same date, is more rustic in its design. There is a fragment of Medieval stained glass in the east window, showing a saint's head. Four panels of Flemish painted glass in the south-west window of the tower are sixteenth or seventeenth century, and the rest is fine nineteenth-century glass.

Attractive Victorian red needlework panels of lilies hang on the east wall, and the same pattern is painted on the wall behind. The monuments in both church and churchyard reflect the importance of the wealthy neighbouring families in the history of this church and the poignancy of their memorial to fallen heroes of The Great War.

  • Access information

    You can navigate to the Ozleworth by following signs for 'Historic Church' and for Newark Park nearby.

    By car, park outside the Ozleworth Estate, near to the gates, and follow a long bridle path downhill and around to the left until you reach the churchyard. Please note - the path can be muddy and slippery.

     

  • Disabled access information
    Disabled access by car through the Estate to the churchyard will need to be arranged in advance, by seeking permission from the Ozleworth (private) Estate office. From this parking place outside the churchyard you will find flat and level access to the south porch which is tiled.
  • Facilities & Hire

    It may be possible to hire the Church of St Nicholas of Myra. The church has electricity although due to its historic nature please note the church has no heating, running water or toilet facilities so thought needs to be given for events longer than a couple of hours (e.g. portaloo hire).

    The church can also be used for filming. 

    If you would like to hire this church please contact Local Community Officer Isobel Milne [email protected]

  • Directions
    In Ozleworth Park 2 miles east of Wotton under Edge off A4135 at junction with B4058
  • Transport
    Nearest railway station with links to Ozleworth: Stroud, with taxis available.
  • 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.

    Bristol & Gloucestershire County Guide

    This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches we care for in Bristol & Gloucestershire. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.

    St. Nicholas' Ozleworth Guidebook

     

  • Volunteering Opportunities
    If you are interested in volunteering at this church please contact Local Community Officer Isobel Milne [email protected]
  • Community information

    Click on the link below to download a copy of the church plan which sets out the shared vision for the future of the church.

    Church plans are a living document which combines information on the church’s history and its current use, outlines maintenance and repair needs, combines this with feedback and recommendations from the community, and concludes with an action plan setting out agreed short, medium and long term goals to support the sustainable use and care 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!

    Ozleworth Church Plan 2023.pdf