Hentland church is one of the oldest in the deanery of Ross and Archenfield and is set in an idyllic position next to Pengethley Park.
The main part of the church dates from the 13th and 14th centuries. The St. Dubricius window with the hedgehog is the symbol of ancient Archenfield called “Ergyng” by the Celts meaning “Land of the Hedgehog”.
The restoration of the chancel has taken place along with additional work to revitalise the Victorian wall decoration,rebuilding of the original hand pumped 1869 J W Walker organ and the surrounding crumbling plasterwork, and repair the roof replacing more than half the Hereford stone tiles. A grant towards the work was received from the National Lottery. This work was completed in 2021.
On Palm Sunday each year the ancient custom of the distribution of Pax Cakes takes place with the blessing of Peace and Good Neighbourhood.
The most interesting monument in the old churchyard is the 14th century medieval cross with four effigies on the face.
According to parish records the Great Yew was planted on Shrove Tuesday 13th February 1615.
There is a spring and holy well on the North East churchyard boundary, sometimes called the lip well, one lip was for people, the other for animals.
Location
Ross-on-Wye
HR9 6LP
- Off A49 between Harewood End and Pengethley and at the end of a no through road
- St.Dubricius is open during daylight hours.
- Park your car beside the church.
- After visiting the church and churchyard you can enjoy a walk in Pengethley Park, managed by the National Trust, entrance near the rear of the church.