Pendock Old Church

Earthworks in fields north of the church mark the site of a medieval village and manor house. A church was definitely built here in 1170, but the tenth century font suggests it may have been on the site of an earlier one. The original roof would probably have been thatched. The saint dedication is no longer known.

In the fourteenth century new windows were added, and the west tower was built. There are lovely sixteenth-century pews and Jacobean communion rails. Wall paintings were discovered in the 1940s and carefully covered over for protection but you can see a small decorated area above the chancel arch.

It is thought that the famous English composer Sir Edward Elgar may once have played the lovely little Georgian organ inside as he had connections with a local family.

The tower contains 4 bells but there are the remains of a ring of five probably all cast in 1686.

Since 1987, the church has been cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust and services are occasionally held here.

The church is open daily between 10am and 4 pm.