About
St Eadburgha's church stands on high ground at the south west edge of Ebrington village, surrounded by lovely thatched cottages buit of local warm-toned stone. The oldest part of the church is the tower and south doorway, both of which are 13th century.
The main entrance is through the south porch, were you will find a stone coffin which may date to the late Saxon period - an indication that there was a church here long before the current building. The south doorway arch is beautiful Norman work, the capitals on both sides of the door are worn, but the carving is fascinating, especially the outermost capital on the west side. This shows what the church guide calls a manikin with outstretched arms. On the east jamb of the door is very worn carved head of a king wearing a crown.
On entering the church the first thing you see is the 13th century font, raised on a plinth. There are seven carved panels, each one decorated with a rose symbol. Behind the font, at the west end of the nave, is the wide tower arch, where you can easily see traces of medieval paint. Both sides of the arch are decorated with wonderful carved heads which may have been salvaged from the Norman church. On either side of the arch are painted panels of Biblical script. Though the guide gives no date for this, they are of a style common to the 17th century.
At the north east corner of the nave is a beautiful 1679 pulpit with a carved sounding board, the gift of John Arras of Charringworth.
THE CHANCEL TOMBS
Here are the most impressive historical features in St Eadburgha's church. On the left (north) side of the sanctuary is a wonderful tomb to Sir John Fortescue (d. 1484), who served as Lord Chief Justice to Henry VI and wrote several treatises on the law. A painted effigy of Sir John lies on a carved tomb chest, beneath an ornate wall monument. Sir John is shown in his robes of office, his head resting on a pillow supported by angels. His feet rest on a lion, the symbol of the British Constitution.