A large Norman church for a village of this size with an intriguing little 14th century Chantry chapel, known as the Volka Chapel. Building commenced in 1290 on the remains of an earlier Church and was completed in around 1390. The work is almost entirely due to two remarkable women, Maude de Braose, widow of the Lord of the Manor, Roger de Broase and his daughter in law, Margret. All the monarchs of England, from 1413, as well as Mary Queen of Scots and the current royal family are descended from Maude!
Kingsland is considered to be one of the most interesting and complete decorated Churches in the north of the county as essentially it was all built at the same time., with only minor additions. The lower part of the Tower is older from around 1275, and was heightened by the addition of a third stage in the 15th century. The striking 14th or possibly 15th century nave crown plate roof is similar to those found only in high status buildings of this period locally. It was hidden by a barrel shaped ceiling before the Church was restored and the roof opened up in 1866.
The Chancel was described by John Leonard as the ‘artistic treasure house of St. Michaels’ and was restored, along with other parts of the Church fabric, in 1866-68 by the renowned G.F.Bodley. The east windows are 14th century stained glass and were said to have been removed and buried by the villagers on the outbreak of WW11, to prevent their being looted in the case of an invasion.
The Lady Chapel in the south aisle contains a cartoon of the crucifixion by Sir Frank Brangwyn R.A. And was for a design for a stained glass window which is now in Buckelbury Church.
The church is open every day from 9.00am until dark.
Location
Kingsland
Leominster
HR6 9QW
- The church is open every day from 9.00am until dark.