St Mary’s, Walterstone

This small hilltop church with extensive views towards the Skirrid and Hatterall Hill, has served the parish – currently about 90 inhabitants – for centuries. A nearby motte suggests that the place was once of strategic significance.

Now in the Diocese of Hereford, it was until 1852 in the Diocese of St David’s, Pembrokeshire and services were held in Welsh until the 1830s.

Elements of the structure date from late 14th / early 15th centuries but it was substantially rebuilt in 1865 by Thomas Nicholson, Hereford diocesan architect, and restored again around 1895. A gallery was installed in the 19th century to accommodate the growing congregation and all seats were free in contrast to those in the nave. The gallery was later removed but it is commemorated in a board inside the church.

The plain font is possibly older than the current church dating from the 13th century. Another notable feature is the memorial tablet by Aaron Brute one of the noted Breconshire family of sculptor-masons.

In the chancel, there is a painted glass window displaying the arms of the Cecil family, relatives of Lord Burghley, chief adviser to Queen Elizabeth I. Their house, Allt-yr-ynys stands one mile south of the church. There was a grand funeral at the church on the death of William Cecil in 1598 but there are no traces of his grave or other family members.

Remains of the late medieval churchyard cross stand in its original position outside.

More information can be found in the leaflet available from the church.