After leaving St Andrew's, Leysters, I planned to drive back via a different route so that I could visit another church - St Michael and All Angels, near Tenbury Wells. (In actual fact as I discovered it was on the same road as Oldwoods Common visited the day before and only a few minutes drive away).
St Michael's is an Anglican church built around 1856 - 58 and is listed today as Grade II. It was constructed by Woodyer for the Reverend Sir Frederick Gore Ouseley and was built as part of St Michael's College, a choir school founded by the same Reverend. The college played an important role in the development of church music in the 19th century. It looks a very prestigious school today too!!!
Woodyer based the design on a 14th century French cathedral.
The information I have is limited as I don't have the latest Pevsner for Worcestershire as I can't justify the cost! although I have since bought the earlier version second hand which is much cheaper but sadly nowhere near as comprehensive.
I must admit that, although the church is very impressive, my interest really lies in Norman or Medieval country churches and I much preferred St Andrew's, Leysters!
The churchyard was again full of primroses and violets - it took me back to my childhood when we visited this area a lot and the hedgerows were always full of spring wild flowers.
The church was closed although I think it is open one morning a week for a few hours but for private prayer only. Hopefully, more churches will be open for sightseers and church crawlers after 17th May.
I do like Rose windows even from the exterior!
The porch did contain 2 stained glass windows so I was able to get a few photos. The first window featured Saints Michael, Raphael, Gabriel and Oriel.
To be honest I did not linger long as I had uneasily parked in a little car park within the church entrance right by and overlooked by the college. All the college gates were closed with big signs "Police Dog training" and I had visions of cctv cameras filming my every move! I did feel rather uneasy! I will though go back one day should the church open to the general public.
We left the caravan the following day as we had to get back for our second vaccine doses on Thursday. Again I had no reaction thank goodness and neither did B this time. I gather there may be a booster in the autumn!
Once the weather picks up a bit we will return all being well to Herefordshire.
Back at home the ten Blue Tit eggs are starting to hatch and we have over 6 chicks! I will do a post on the garden and reading later this week.
I hope everyone is staying safe and well.
All photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera.
