St Swithun's Church, Worcester

St Swithun’s Church stands in Worcester city centre on a quiet side street. It is a redundant Anglican church, now cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust and listed Grade I. Built in the early 18th century, it is praised by architectural historians as one of England’s best preserved early Georgian churches. The tower is older, dating from the 15th century, but the rest was rebuilt between 1734 and 1736 by the Woodward brothers of Chipping Campden. Inside, the single cell plan and rib-vaulted ceiling show the Georgian style, while the stained glass east window was redesigned in the 19th century by Henry Eginton. The church is worth visiting for its fine Georgian architecture and its long musical tradition. Alec Clifton-Taylor included it among the best English parish churches. The organ, begun in 1736, has been enlarged and restored several times, most recently in 2009–10, and holds a Grade I Certificate. Six bells hang in the tower, three from about 1420 and three cast in 1654 by John Martin. A group called the Friends of St Swithun’s now helps maintain the building and organise concerts and services. Inside, the white marble font with its mahogany cover sits in a box pew near the west door. The three-decker pulpit, reached by a spiral stair, has a tester carved with a crown and a pelican. The mayor’s chair and sword rest stand in front of the pulpit. Box pews line the nave, and monuments on the walls date from 1627 onwards. The east end’s Venetian window is framed by Ionic pilasters under a pediment and clock. Outside, the limestone walls show Doric pilasters between round-headed windows, while the tower rises in four stages with crocketted pinnacles and a balustrade.