Monnington on Wye - Church of St Mary

St Mary's Church (Historic Churches Trust)

The church is approached by a long grassy path leading to a 17th‑century lych‑gate, The whole church, with the exception of the medieval tower with its out‑size battlements, was built in 1679 by Uvedale and Mary Tomkins, who lived in the nearby Court. Most remarkably, all the contemporary furnishings remain almost intact ‑ font, screen, communion rails, holy table, reading desk, gates under the tower, and open‑backed benches in the nave. All except the benches are adorned with the twisted 'barley‑sugar' balusters so popular at that period.

The splendid Royal Arms of Charles II, originally placed over the chancel screen, have regrettably been moved to the south wall. The pulpit was originally a three‑ or at least a two‑decker (cp. Clodock) with sounding‑board, but it has unfortunately been cut down and lowered.

There is a fine monument to Francis Perrott (d.1667) with a striking bust and an inscription well worth reading. Uvedale and Mary Tomkins are buried under a modest black ledger‑stone in front of the holy table. Under the tower is a large board painted with the Apostles' Creed, which originally hung on one side