Oldberrow - St. Mary

Holy Ascension

The Church of the Holy Ascension

It appears that a settlement of some kind could be found at Mappleborough Green from a very early date. According to Dugdale the village was originally known as “The Haywood” or “The Grove Haia”, which in 1201, Peter Corbizum granted to “William son of Geoffrey”. In 1341, this land was surrendered to Peter de Montfort of Beaudesert. Until 1824 it remained part of the common waste of the parish of Studley.

The Church of the Holy Ascension is a ‘plant’ of Studley and was commissioned and financed by Sir William Jaffray, Bart. (of Skilts). Built in memory of his first wife Mabel, the Church was initially opened on Wednesday 11th July 1888. The Dedication sermon was preached by The Lord Bishop of Worcester. (The Church was included in the Worcester Diocese.)

The building specifications are recorded in a document written at the time of the Church’s unveiling. ‘For its size the Church has an aspect of unusual dignity due alike to the excellent proportions designed by the architect and to the skilful manner in which the constructional ornament is combined with severe simplicity of general lines.’

Mappleborough Church is well known for its warm welcome, where people feel comfortable whether they are regular worshippers or visitors Services are held every Sunday at 10.00 a.m. and alternate between traditional, contemporary and lively all age worship. Details can be found on the weekly news sheet and monthly diary page on this website.

Studley - Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary

The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Studley began as a Saxon village around the River Arrow. There is a priest at Studley mentioned in the Doomsday Book. This means that there was probably a wooden Saxon church on the site of the present Norman stone church, which was founded around 1105. A late Anglo-Saxon axe head was found in the churchyard in the 1950s.

From the Middle Ages the village of Studley gradually migrated to its present site around the Icknield Way, now the A435. There is no documentary evidence for why the population shifted. Theories include the Plague or flooding from the River Arrow.

In the 19th Century there was still an inn opposite the church, and a number of scattered cottages, all known as Church End. Now only the church and the manor (on the site of the Norman castle, seat of the Corbucion family) remain. This has given the church an exceptionally tranquil setting.

The church was restored in 1888 and again in 1935, when the 12th century window in the north wall was discovered.

The current Restoration began in 1990. So far the tower and all roofs have been renewed. The church has been completely rewired and redecorated. During the 1997 redecoration the wall paintings were surveyed. Considerable traces were found of medieval paintings, but were too fragile to leave exposed. The windows remain to be restored. The church is listed as Grade 2*. The building is an unusual mixture of styles, with many architectural puzzles.

The style of worship at Studley church is rich in its variety, attracting a large congregation. All ages and needs are catered for in the mix from quiet, reflective services to lively all age gatherings. Details of our services are on the weekly news sheet and the church diary page of this website.

Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity Church

Holy Trinity Morton Bagot is to quote Pevsner:

That rare thing: an unrestored and unneglected church.

It is a simple 13th Century small village church, with an uncomplicated nave and a peaceful chancel with stone walls. Electricity and mains water have never intruded on the ancient stone. In the depths of winter the candlelight is magical.

The setting on a bank next to Church Farm is stunning. There are open views of the hills around, with an iron age fort clearly visible behind the church.