Church Of St Wolfrida

The Church of St Wolfrida is a parish church, likely originating in the 12th or 13th century, but significantly remodelled in the 18th century and restored in 1869 and around 1900. The tower's design was either by or influenced by John Vanbrugh, who was working at Eastbury Park at the same time. The church is constructed of greensand ashlar, Flemish bond brickwork, and rendered sections. The building plan includes a nave, chancel, a north transept, and a north tower. It features 18th century round-headed windows with stone keystones and impost blocks. The north tower has two stages, a pyramidal ashlar spire, a plat band at the first floor, a modillioned cornice, a north-facing clock face, and contains louvred dormers with pediments. The north doorway has a moulded segmental hood and plain pilaster architraves bearing an entablature. Internally, the chancel is accessed via an 18th century semi-circular arch with plain responds. The nave and transept have 19th century tie beam and king post roofs with braces. A barrel vault covers the chancel, and the church contains 18th century panelled oak box pews and a fielded panelled pulpit on an octagonal pedestal with 19th century cast iron steps. A carved and painted 18th century reredos is present, featuring cherub heads and an irradiated dove. In the transept are effigies of Sir Giles and Dorothy de Braose, dating to around 1300, along with various 17th century monuments.