The church had just been opened as I arrived one Saturday morning.
The earliest part of the church dates back to the 12th century, with the chancel and tower dating from the 13th century. Work was also carried out in the 14th century.
The church is actually two churches in one with the Church of the Holy Cross with an alter in the nave under the tower and the Conventual Church of Our Lady in the chancel.
Conventual Church is a church attached or belonging to a convent or monastery. In this case having startd life as the parish church in the early 12 century, the church became a daughter house to Pershore Abbey in 1193.
The picture shows the chancel with the nave alter in the foreground.
In the 15 century a small chapel was added to the north of the chancel. This was the Chapel of The Holy Cross. However this was destroyed along with other monastic buildings in 1539 during the Dissolution of the Monastries.
In 1873 and 1884 a major restoration was carried out with significant re-building although old materials and features were re-used.
The picture below shows a 13th century piscina (stone basin) which was incorporated into the south wall of the chancel during the restoration work.
An aumbry (built in cupboard) also 13th century in the north wall of the chancel. This no longer has the wooden frame or doors. It is used for Communion Vessels.
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