St John The Baptist Church | Orcop

ORCOP
Dedication: St John The Baptist
OS Grid Reference: SO 474 263
Road reference: West of the A466, 10 miles south of Hereford near St Weonards
Open access: Daylight hours.

Facilities:

Information:

There has been a churchy on this tranquil site, nesting in the rolling farmland of the Orcop Basin since the 12th century.

The present church dates form 1300, with an attractive and distinctive wooden tower added in the 16th century. A major restoration was undertaken in1860, when, after centuries of being cared for by neighbouring parishes, Orcop was granted its own vicar. Sadly his enthusiasm was such that most medieval features of the interior were lost. The roof survives, however, retaining its original timbers and beams covered with various designs including the stigmata.

The tower houses five bells, three of which are 17th century. They are maintained in good order and rung regularly.

Recent additions include a striking Millennium stained-glass window on the theme of ‘Light’ and a memorial to the 20th century poetess Frances Horowitz.