St Leonard's Church, Cotheridge

St Leonard’s Church stands in the quiet Worcestershire village of Cotheridge, a short walk from Cotheridge Court manor house. Built in the 12th century, it is one of the oldest churches in the area and still holds small Church of England services. The nave and chancel date from the reign of Henry I, with a carved Norman arch dividing the two spaces. A wooden bell tower was added in the 15th century, built from chestnut and oak in four stages. The church also lies on the old pilgrimage route from Worcester to Wales, and today serves as a visitors’ centre. The church contains notable 17th-century fittings. The oak-panelled pulpit is hexagonal, and the chancel floor is covered with patterned tiles bearing heraldic shields. Four tiles show the arms of Gloucester Abbey, three carry the Elephant Head of Throckmorton, two display the Berkeley arms, and one bears a Passion Shield with Latin inscription. The church has belonged to the Diocese of Worcester since the 17th century and was long cared for by the Berkeley family. Visitors find a simple nave with a plastered ceiling hiding its beams, while the chancel ceiling shows its beams openly. The square wooden tower stands apart from the main building, reached through a studded oak doorway. In the churchyard lie two Commonwealth war graves of Royal Artillery soldiers from the Second World War. The church has survived roof collapses in 1947 and 1979, with later restorations completed in 1987.