Kilpeck is a tiny village half-way between Hereford and the border with Wales, notable for its c12th Parish Church of St Mary and St David which retains an exceptionally intact riot of Romanesque sculpture of the Herefordshire School. Simon Jenkins writes that it is widely regarded as England's most perfect Norman church. Adjacent to the church is a motte and fragmentary stone remains of a castle.
Please meet at the church for 2pm, when we will be met by churchwarden (and guidebook author) James Bailey for a guided tour.
There is no obligation to book and all will be welcome, with or without notice.Nevertheless if possible please let me, Robert Beattie (
There are few local amenities other than the Kilpeck Inn (www.kilpeckinn.com) where lunch is served from 12-2pm; but whose bar does not then reopen until 5.30pm so there is no option to retire there for refreshments at the end of our visit. I suggest those of us who are so inclined might arrange to meet beforehand at the Inn for lunch from approx 12.30pm; if sufficient people let me know, I will reserve a table.
Kilpeck is only feasibly reached by car; let me know if you would like me to arrange a lift for you.
Directions:
Take the A465 south west from Hereford. After about 9 miles, turn left (signed for both Kilpeck and Kilpeck Church) . After crossing the railway turn right at the top of the hill (again signed for Kilpeck Church), and there is parking outside the church. (The Inn is at the next T-junction past the church and has its own parking.) The postcode for the village is HR2 9DN.