Church Of St Michael

The Church of St Michael is a building of C12 and C18 origins, restored in 1889 and again between 1896 and 1897 for the Rev Henry Kinnear and the Bridgemans of Copgrove Hall. It is constructed of limestone rubble with ashlar dressings and a graduated stone slate roof. The church comprises a three-bay nave with a west bellcote and a timber-framed porch to the first bay; a two-bay chancel, and a vestry on the north side. The nave north and southbound windows are pointed with two lights, featuring Perpendicular style tracery, dating from 1896. A small, round-arched C12 window is positioned on the chancel’s right side, while a two-light Decorated window with a hoodmould is situated to the left. The east window is square-headed, consisting of three cusped lights. The building has ashlar gable copings and the bellcote features a single bell within an open segmental arch, topped by a moulded pediment. A stone, originally from the north chancel wall and now forming a quoin to the vestry, is carved with a T-shape – possibly Thor's hammer – and a figure holding a sword and shield, potentially of pre-Christian origin.

Inside, the rebates to the east window are plastered and retain red painted lines mimicking ashlar, along with painted scrolls. The Norman chancel arch has imposts carved with chevron and dogtooth motifs, the left side having been restored. C17 and C18 box-pews have been reused to line the nave walls. A medieval altar stone was rediscovered during the later C19 restoration. A brass inscription near the south door is dated 1637. A board bearing the Royal Arms of Queen Anne is displayed over those of Charles II. Numerous fine late C18 and C19 wall memorials are dedicated to the Duncombe family of Copgrove Hall. The church was linked to the Knights Hospitallers in the C13 and, from 1535 until approximately 1634, the living belonged to the Wyse family. It is believed the church once had a tower and short steeple, removed in the late C17 when the bellcote was added. The nave windows were initially round-headed, but were rebuilt in Gothic style in 1896-97. The roof was renewed and eaves significantly raised at that time, alongside alterations to the pulpit, choir stalls and pews. The floor was lowered and the vestry and porch were added during the same period.