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| South door of 12th century Kilpeck Church Photography by R.J.L.Smith |
By no stretch of the imagination can this little church be considered to be in the Welsh Valleys, but I fell in love with it when I saw it and am sure you will too. No matter your religion, or lack of it, this building will not fail to fascinate.
Situated in Herefordshire, close to the A465 from Abergavenny to Hereford, this quaint architectural gem, one of many ancient churches, is well worth seeking out. With only a small sign on the A465 to indicate the turning to this Norman church, it is easy to miss.
"Discover the Golden Valley and Black Mountains Countryside"* describes it as even more bizarre than the combined genius of Walt Disney and Salvador Dali. Hints of Celtic, Welsh, Oriental, Byzantine and Scandinavian influences are reflected in the carved stone figures which decorate the building. Many of them are arranged in a frieze around the outside, just under the roof; dogs, monsters, grotesques, a rabbit, a sheila-na-her hair, and many many more for you to name.
Behind the church, over a small stile, lies a large mound smothered in greenery and the masonry remains of Kilpeck Castle. If the remains of this Norman structure fail to excite, then the views should make up for it.
*copyright Caroline Downey, The Coach House, Cwmyoy, Nr Abergavenny.
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