Preston on Stour, Warwickshire

St Mary’s Church

Preston on Stour is actually off the main road but well worth the visit. It has a collection of old houses including this black and white one on the green. It still retains a village shop and post office-



The church has medieval origins but the oldest part now is the late 15th century buttressed tower. The remainder of the church from that period was subject to major restoration. In 1756 a new entrance to the chuch was created at the foot of the tower beneath the perpendicular west window.



The rest of the church was almost entirely rebuilt between 1753-57 the work being carried out by Edward and Thomas Woodward of Chipping Camden under the supervision of James West (1702-1772) an antiquary and barrister of the Inner Temple who bought the nearby Alscot Estate in 1747.

The panelled timber of the 15th century nave roof with its carved bosses was preserved but restored. The plastered segmented vaulted ceiling of the chancel is, however, typical of the mid-18th century. The whole of the chancel was completely rebuilt as part of the restoration. The chancel is almost the full width of the nave.


Simon Jenkins likens the interior to a 18th century family chapel and indeed there are many memorials to the West family.



The painted glass in the chancel windows includes some, in the east window dated 1605 and 1632 from the Netherlands.



The glass in the north and south windows of the chancel is 17th century.



The south window shows St George in Renaissance armour - his face is said to be that of King Charles.



The nave is lit by new side windows with clear class which allows sunlight shine in. At the west end is a Georgian gallery in front of the tower arch.



The south face of the church.



The 18th century limestone gateposts on the east side of the churchyard. The wrought iron gates open onto an avenue of yew trees. Similar gates can be seen at the west entrance in front of the tower.



The church is an excelent example of the early 18th century Gothic revival style albeit to the design of a mason rather than an architect.

http://www.prestononstour-pc.gov.uk/prestononstour-3243.cfm?source=left