St Bartholomew, Richard’s Castle

The church, perched high above the village, is adjacent to one of the earliest ‘marcher castles’ built in the mid 11th century to defend the Anglo-Welsh border. The large church is mainly 12th century and has, to its east a detached bell-tower, built about 1400 probably as part of the castle’s defences.

It is, however, the unrestored quality of much of the interior, its muted and faded colours as well as the architectural vistas that make this building so beautiful and quietly atmospheric.

There are marvellous furnishings including Georgian box pews, a gallery and a 17th century canopied pew for the Salweys, Lords of the Manor, and still used by them at the two or three services held each year. On a clear day there are breathtaking views from the porch to the Black Mountains, Malvern and Shropshire Hills.