About St. Michael's Church

History

Already established as an important church by the time of the Norman Conquest, and recorded in Doomsday (1086), the present building was completed in 1140, extended and modified in the 12th and 15th centuries, and replaces an earlier building, whose foundations may still be see. As you move around the church and its grounds, and particularly if you join in our services, you may like to meditate on the thought that people of Ledbury and their visitors, in unbroken succession, have used this place as a place of community and Christian worship for over a thousand years.

The Tower

The tower itself dates from about 1230, and the spire from 1733. St. Michael's Church is one of only seven in Herefordshire with a tower separate from the nave.

There are eight bells in the tower dating from 1690 to 1929. The earliest two date from 1690 and were made by Rudhalls. The Tenor is 50.25" in diameter, weighs 22cwt, dates from 1736 and is tuned to the key of E flat.

The tower also has a carillon, which plays one of seven well-known hymn tunes at the hours of 9.00am 12.00noon, 3.00pm and 6.00pm every day.

The total height of tower and spire is 202 feet. It is floodlit, and visible from a wide area of the town and beyond. You can sponsor the lighting for a week, for example to mark a special family occasion or an anniversary.

The Organ

St. Michael's possesses a fine three-manual pipe organ by Thomas Elliot of London, and dates from about 1820. It has undergone several refurbishments over the years, the last being major restoration in the year 200 by Percy Daniel & Co. of Clevedon. Details can be found in the booklet which describes the organ and its history.

The Main Church Building

Sir Nikolaus Pevsner has described Ledbury as 'the premier parish church in Herefordshire'. The are numerous features of interest:

• The Chapter House, built in 1330 with 'ball flower' decorated windows, contains a fine Benedictine effigy, a 16th century parish chest, and relics of the battle of Ledbury in 1645.
• The Chancel, dating from the 12th century, with its rare 'porthole' windows ( which used to run the length of the church), the 'squint' in the north wall, and the recently restored chancel arch.
• The Sanctuary, with its 14th/15th century East Window (mainly 19th glass), 20th century Crystal Cross high above the altar, and a most striking copy of Leonardo da Vinci's 'Last Supper' painted by local artist Thomas Ballard in 1826.
• The magnificent 12th century West Front, with its fine 'zig-zag' portal, has two unusual turrets, also 12th century, with square pinnacles and pointed caps.
• Much stained glass, including the range of windows by Kempe, and numerous local family monuments of note.

For full details of the history of the church and its contents, please see the guidebook 'The Church of St. Michael's and All Angels, Ledbury', on sale at the bookstall in the north aisle.

Our Facilities

• Ladies, Gents and disabled toilets are located through the Choir Vestrey in the North Aisle.
• Tea, Coffee and a selection of biscuits are usually served in the SW corner of the church after the 9.30am Sunday service. Please join us in the queue!
• Pigeonholes are located at the back of the church for internal mail. Do use them to exchange correspondence with other church members.