St Mary’s, Dilwyn

The Church of St Mary dates mostly from the late 13th century. The nave arcades, some of which have carved brackets for images, are of that time. In the 14th century, the chancel was rebuilt, and a grand chapel was added on the north side with a north window of reticulated tracery. This tall window had stained glass depicting the apostles with their creed sentences. The very fine pair of angels with censers in the south chancel window was originally in the tracery. These are an interesting example of an artist using the same cartoon flipped to make two figures. Also of the 14th century, in the chancel, a tomb recess (with ball-flower decoration) houses a reclining knight.

The chancel screen of the 15th century is exceptionally fine and has unusual grotesque heads at the feet of the pilasters. There are more modest parclose screens either side. The noble panelled roof of the nave is of similar date and two of its carved bosses show the carpenter’s tools. About the same time, although the details of the windows and mouldings might suggest older, perhaps reused, masonry, the south porch was added. It is among the most impressive porches in the county, built at a time when church porches had developed as important liturgical and social spaces.

The Norman tub font remains in the south aisle and there is an impressive, painted George III Royal Arms on an arch -shaped panel. On the churchyard wall east of the church is a rare mile marker showing Leominster 6 Miles.