St. Eadburgha, Ebrington

Description

The Parish Church in Ebrington stands in a commanding position in one of the highest parts of the village. It looks over a fertile vale to the hills of the Cotswold borderland. Despite being now almost encircled by trees, its short and sturdy Tower is still a landmark for miles around. St. Eadburgha is the patron saint. Not much is known of this Saxon saint, but she is patron of Pershore Abbey and, more locally, of the ‘old’ Church at Broadway and a few others in the Worcestershire/Gloucestershire area. It is known that Eadburgha was a daughter of King Edward the Elder – a son of King Alfred the Great and, at an early age, she was sent to the Abbey in Winchester founded by King Alfred’s widow. In due course she became an Abbess, and therefore a woman of great power and prestige in her day. Her relics were preserved at Pershore. St. Eadburgha’s patronal festival is held annually on the Sunday nearest to the 15th of June.

Like most ancient Churches, St. Eadburgha’s in Ebrington has been altered, enlarged and restored many times. It is believed that the Tower and the south (main internal) doorway of the present building date from the 13th century. The Church consists of a chancel, a nave and three bays with a south transept aisle, south doorway porch, a blocked north door and an embattled west Tower. The church contains several Memorials to members of the Keyt family, dating back to the 17th century; there is also an altar tomb to Lord Fortescue, the first Lord Chief Justice of England, dating back to the early 16th century

It is a special place as it is an undisturbed, working, parish church, used continually for worship for more than 1,000 years – despite being near to major tourist attractions, Stratford-upon-Avon, Chipping Campden, Hidcote Manor Gardens, etc., it retains its quiet and unspoilt charm; just off the well-worn tourist trail.

The church is open daily, from approximately 9 am to 4 pm.

Location

Ebrington, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6NQ, United Kingdom

Directions

Grid reference: SP 18440 40020

By car: Ebrington is just to the west of Chipping Campden, off the B4035.
The church is in the centre of the village, accessed by a short path between two thatched houses, opposite the Ebrington Arms and near to the War Memorial. There is a car park near the pub, which can be used when visiting the church.
By public transport: Community bus www.hedgehogbus.org.; Johnsons Bus Service 21,22 & 24 from Stratford Upon Avon, Broadway and Moreton-in-Marsh http://www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk/index.html [not Sunday]
On foot: Signed public footpaths through the churchyard from the East [Ebrington Arms] and the North [Campden Road]

Facilities

Reasonable wheelchair accessible in most parts. Toilets, accommodation and hospitality at the nearby Ebrington Arms, during opening hours. http://www.theebringtonarms.co.uk/ Also ‘Vegetable Matters’ farm shop and café with large car park ¼ mile from church, down the lane passing the Ebrington Arms on your left, open daily (except Mondays) 8.30-4 pm.

Hospitaller/Contact Person

Ann Simpson

Email:

Web Link

http://www.ebringtonchurch.org.uk

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