Church of St Cosmas & St Damian, Stretford
Herefordshire
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About this Church
A special place to visit for any doctors or nurses
Sitting next to a farmyard, this unusual and interesting church is almost as broad as it is long, and its dedication is to the patron saints of physicians and surgeons and the patron saints of twins. The twin brothers born in the third century in Turkey, gave their medical services for free and performed many miracles on the sick. One particular miracle is known as the Miracle of the Black Leg, when they replaced the diseased leg of a European white man with the leg from an Ethiopian man who had died. For this reason, churches with this dedication often has black and white candles on the altar. The miracle was commemorated in the Middle Ages by a pilgrimage from Leominster Priory to Stretford in which both black and white candles were carried. There was also a holy well nearby which has since been destroyed.
The roof of the church was constructed in about 1540; two massive early sixteenth-century timber screens go right across the church and there is a Jacobean pulpit in the middle.
The two beautiful fourteenth-century stone effigies are probably members of the Delabere family who lived locally. There was a holy well very near this site where pilgrims would come to
Please make a contribution towards the upkeep of this church via our at our red donate button. A donation can also by made by texting "STR" to 70970 to donate £5 or 70191 to donate £10.
Thank you
Access Information
From lane and farm entrance up a grass slope through a wooden gate, along an undulating grass path in the churchyard to the south porch.
Level entrance to sandstone flagstones in the open porch, leading to the south door. Porch entrance is level but there are 2 steps down past the south door to the nave floor.
Facilities & Hire
Due to its historic nature this church has no power or toilets.
It has fixed pews.
If you would like to hire this church please contact west@thecct.org.uk
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.
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Guidebook
This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches we care for in Herefordshire & Worcestershire.
Directions
4 miles south west of Leominster, off A44 and left onto the A4110; church is signposted from A4110; country lane leads to farm and church
Transport
Nearest railway station: Leominster (4 miles)
Volunteering Opportunities
We’d love to hear from anyone who would like to join our volunteering team at this church. Could you help with history tours, cleaning, gardening or supporting events perhaps?
To find out more please contact our Local Community Officer:
Tracy Genever tgenever@thecct.org.uk
Community Information
Church of St Cosmas & St Damian, Stretford, is in our West region. Below is a link to the church plan.
Stretford Church Plan January 2026
Useful local links:
