Castle Frome - Church of St Michael

St Michael's Church (Historic Churches Trust).

Stands above the road looking westward to the Welsh hills, and backed by a wood which hides the scanty remains of the castle. Apart from two attractive and appropriate Victorian features - the half-timbered bell-turret and porch - the church is entirely Norman. Though small it gives an unusual impression of spaciousness, and it contains three remarkable objects. First, the extraordinary font, a masterpiece of the 12th century Hereford School of sculpture. The centrepiece is a scene of the Baptism of Christ, and the remaining space is filled with the symbols of the Evangelists and a pair of doves. The font rests on three couching human figures, only one of which has retained its head. Second, in the chancel is a splendid and wonderfully-preserved 17th century monument to a cavalier and his wife, with their children ranged round the sides. Third, and least noticeable, at the foot of the south-east chancel window is the tiny carved figure of a knight, holding his heart in his hands and apparently smiling. This may commemorate a heart-burial; if a crusading knight died in Palestine, his heart was sometimes preserved and sent home for