St Margaret of Antioch Church | Wellington

WELLINGTON
Dedication: St Margaret of Antioch
OS Grid Reference: SO 498 483
Road Reference: Off A49 5 miles North of Hereford

Facilities:

Access during daylight hours

Information:

Wellington is one of only three such dedications in the Hereford Diocese, the other two being Welsh Bicknor and St Margaret's.

The earliest parts of the church are Norman dating from the 12th century including the distorted semi-circular chancel arch and the first three or four stages of the unusual tower.

The final stage of the tower was added in 1400. The tower holds a ring of six bells and a dismounted Sanctus. The earliest bells date from the 15th century, two are 17th century and there is a 20th century re- cast of a bell dating 1659

There are fine roofs to the north aisle and the porch dating from the 14th century. Extensive renovation was undertaken in the late 19th century, mainly to the chancel and south naive wall. The roof was re-tiled, but the tie beams and carved bosses left intact.

There is a "green man" boss in the roof of the north transept.

The church has one small fragment of mediaeval glass in the south wall window of the chancel. The large east window is clear glass as are the rest of the windows, so the interior is very light.

There are two memorials of historical interest. The older one is dedicated to Sir Herbert Perrott on the east wall of the chancel dating from the 17th century. Sir Herbert Perrott was one of the chief benefactors of Wellington.

The second memorial is to be found above the pulpit and is dedicated to Benjamin Tomkins who died in 1779. He moved to Wellington Court in 1758 having previously lived in Canon Pyon. He is remembered for his work in developing the Hereford cow from a Plough Ox to something approaching today's breed.

Additional memorials include an interesting collection of wall tablets to local families, particularly the Graves family, dating from the late 18th to 19th century carved by two members of a family of stone masons from Bodenham, Richard and Thomas Yeomans who either signed or initialled the memorials for which they were responsible.