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St Bartholomew

Vowchurch

Herefordshire

C12 origins with major work of late C13, C14

Architectural Features

The bell turret, possibly dating from early C16, is timber-framed with close-studding with two rails topped by a slate-clad broach spire.

North-west window of nave is of similar design but probably C14.

The next window to the west is C13 with three stepped lights.

East of the south porch is one small C12 round-headed window.

South porch has C18 wicket gate and gabled stone slate roof with each side supported by 12 C17 balusters.

Entrance under 2-centred moulded C14 arch, contemporary ledged door with ornate strap hinges

three vertical fillets INTERIOR: mainly C17 roof is supported on 7 pairs of chamfered posts extending to wall-plate level.

Between the last and penultimate pair of posts, corresponding to the liturgical chancel, are two C14 (?) trusses without posts consisting of foiled principal rafters and V-struts above arch-braced collars rising from the wall plates.

The chancel is also defined by a C17 screen enriched with two terms beneath a central pediment and a plank and muntin derived dado supporting balusters.

In the chancel are two inward-facing benches incised "RK 1636", C17 altar rails with turned balusters, a C13 piscina with 2-centred head and two basins and a shelf, also a late C19 heating stove inscribed "FLAT TOP/ ROMEESSE".

Nave: pulpit is probably C18, 5-sided with plain moulded rail and bulbous pedestal with 3 feet.

West of the pulpit in the north wall are two plain arched tomb recesses.

On the south side west of the screen is a large niche, possibly the remains of access door to rood loft Oak panelling, probably C17, runs along both sides of the nave.

The font has a fluted circular basin, probably C12, supported on a C19 base.

At the west end of the nave two parclose screens with balusters, possibly C17, divide off the north-west and south-west corners and in the centre is a C17 heavy open timber-framed belfry support with a large central pendant and angle struts to the bottom storey.

Monuments: on the south side of the east wall a tapering marble wall plaque in the style of Canova containing a head, to Sir Edward Boughton, died 1794, of Poston Court (qv)