Mansell Lacy, St Michael's Church
History, tourist information, and nearby accommodation
There is a reset 12th century doorway at the east end of the nave and the main south doorway dates to the 13th century. The chancel roof is 15th century.
Over the south doorway of the tower is a 12th century coffin lid, re-used as a lintel. The east window of the south aisle contains a 14th century heraldic shield of the Burgh family.
There are several very goof 17th century monuments, including a tablet on the north wall of the chancel to William Traunter (d. 1691). On the south wall are two more Traunter memorials, to Samuel (d. 1656) and Simeon (d. 1676). Also in the chancel are a 13th century sedilia, or clerhy seat, formed by the sill of the south window, and a piscina with a cinquefoil drain.
The oldest feature in the church interior is a 12th century font in a cup shape, carved from a single blick of stone. There are reset carved stones around the nave walls, including a sandstone corbel head over the south doorway. The head is carved with peculiar catlike ears, bulging eyes, and a short beak.
The church has been transformed in recent years into a combined community centre and place of worship, with a glass partition between the 'church' at the east end of the building and the Community Centre at the west end. The transformation of Mansell Lacy church was highlighted in several television features and St Michael's was used as an example by Sir Roy Strong to highlight how churches could remain the centre of community life. The church transformation won a pair of Calor awards for innovation.
In the churchyard stands a 14th century stone cross, set upon a stepped base of later construction.
NB. The name of the village is alternately spelled Mansel or Mansell. We've chosen to go with the extra 'l', as that is what appears on OS maps.
About Mansell Lacy, St Michael's Church
Address: Mansell Lacy, Herefordshire, England, HR4 7HG
Attraction Type: Historic Church
Location: Off the A480
Website: Mansell Lacy, St Michael's Church
Photo Credit: Philip Halling, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence
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NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low-exceptional) on historic interest
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The Weir Garden - 2.4 miles (Garden)
Weobley Museum - 4 miles (Museum)
Eaton Bishop church - 4.2 miles (Historic Church)
Madley Church - 4.2 miles (Historic Church)
Moccas, St Michael Church - 4.4 miles (Historic Church)
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