Much Marcle - Church of St Bartholomew

St Bartholomew's Church (Historic Churches Trust), central towers are rare in Herefordshire and even more unusual is one without transepts. Here the fine 15th century tower was ‑ surprisingly and inexplicably ‑ inserted between an existing nave and chancel. The interior of the 13th century nave, lit by a large `Perpendicular' window, is lofty and handsome. The arches are built of an attractive tawny stone, and four of the capitals have interesting carvings of foliage and heads. Of several notable monuments, the finest is the l4th century tomb of Blanche Grandison (nee Mortimer) in the chancel. She lies as if asleep, with her rosary in her hand, and her mantle hanging down over the tomb‑chest. At her feet lies her dog (now unfortunately headless), and above her is a great display of Mortimer and Grandison heraldry. The iron screen enclosing the north chapel appropriated since the 17th century by the Kyrle family of nearby Homme House, is kept locked, but the key can usually be found on an adjacent pew. In the centre of the chapel is the magnificent black and white marble tomb of Sir John Kyrle (d1650) and his wife Sybil Scudamore. In the north‑west corner is another fine