Great Tew - St Michael & All Angels Church

About

There has been a church on this site since before the Norman Conquest, but the building today is a blend of different periods of construction. The south doorway is Norman, and possibly the pillars in the nave. Much is 13th and 14th Century, with mediaeval wall paintings and decoration visible. There are stone effigies of a knight from ca 1320 and magnificent brasses to John Wilcotes and his wife, from 1410. There is a monument to the second Lord Falkland, who was killed at the Battle of Newbury, and a fine marble statue by Chantrey of Mary Anne Boulton. The church has many associations with the Boulton family, best known for the Soho Manufactury in Birmingham and partnership with James Watt on the steam engine.

The church sits back from the road through a fine stone gateway, thought to be from the old manor house, and is surrounded by an atmospheric and peaceful churchyard.Approached through an unusual gateway, along a path flanked by ha-has.