Church of St Mary

St Mary's Church is a Norman building in Kempley featuring thick stone walls and a traditional timber roof structure with whitewashed exterior surfaces. The interior contains a barrel-vaulted chancel decorated with medieval wall paintings and reflects the architectural style of its period.

The building was founded around 1150 and contains significant wall paintings in its barrel-vaulted chancel from the early 12th century. These religious artworks represent an important part of medieval artistic heritage.

The chancel holds a remarkable collection of Romanesque frescoes with depictions of Christ in Majesty and biblical scenes from the early medieval period. These wall paintings offer a glimpse into the religious beliefs and artistic practices of that time.

The building sits in a remote location, so it is wise to check opening times ahead and allow enough time for a visit. Access is on foot, and visitors should be prepared for uneven ground.

The oak timber roof was dated through dendrochronology testing to between 1120 and 1150, making it one of the oldest medieval roofs in Britain. This construction technique reflects the advanced building skills of that distant period.

Location: Kempley

Inception: 12 century

Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/st-marys-church-kempley

GPS coordinates: 51.97880,-2.48205

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:46