St Bartholomew, Vowchurch & St Mary Magdalene, Turnastone

These two churches of 12th century origins are located on opposite banks of the River Dore, about 500 metres apart. Both are built to a simple rectangular floor plan comprising chancel and nave, together with a south porch over the entry door. Both churches have Norman font bowls.

St Bartholomew’s, Vowchurch, has an impressive 17th century timber framework supporting the roof, and a wooden turret housing three bells. The chancel screen has some interesting carvings, thought to represent Adam and Eve. An array of heraldic shields, restored in 19th century, depicts arms of local gentry. There is a display in the church featuring the 19th century vicar, Skeffington Dodgson, younger brother of “Lewis Carroll.”

St Mary Magdalene, Turnastone, has several interesting slab monuments including Thomas ap Harry (died 1522) and Mary Traunter (died 1685 age 18). The nave and chancel have a handsome barrel roof dating from the early 16th century. The early 17th century timber bell turret has a single, historic bell from the 16th century, now fitted with a modern chiming mechanism. A 20th-century stained glass window on the north side of the sanctuary depicts St Leonard and commemorates Revd Frederick Richard Green who was rector from 1887 to 1918.