Frederick Preedy - architect and artist

In the Bishop's Registers of 1857-1869,  the Church (Chancel, Nave and Tower) was said to be in a dilapidated condition. Buttresses to the north and south walls of the Chancel and Nave were added for protection and strength.

 In 1869 the Victorian architect Frederick Preedy was commissioned to re-design the old medieval church. It was rebuilt in 1870 using the old stone, leaving only the 14th century perpendicular tower untouched. Pew seats, the pulpit, reading desk and other fittings were removed and refitted permitting accommodation for 120 people.

Preedy also designed and manufactured the stained glass windows in the sanctuary and painted the zinc panels either side of the reredos. The stained glass window in the east end of the Chancel depicts: the Annunciation (N. division); the Ascension and the Crucifixion, (mid-division) and the visit of the Magi (S. division). The north window in the chancel shows the Good Shepherd and the south window the raising of Lazarus. These windows are particularly fine examples of Preedy' s work.

The painted zinc panels on either side of the reredos were badly affected by damp and were removed in the mid twentieth century. They were rediscovered in the tower and restored in 2007 through the hard work and dedication of previous churchwarden Roy Jones. The restored panels were rededicated by the Bishop of Hereford in March 2007. The restoration was funded by a number of donations and grants.

Preedy’s trade mark of an open flower can to be found in many places in the Church, notably on the hinges of the doors and crosses on the roof.

Churches on the Preedy Trail

Preedy was the architect for a number of other churches in Herefordshire and Worcestershire and as part of the restoration project we now have a very attractive leaflet which highlights nine churches in Herefordshire and Worcestershire (and refers to another five) where Preedy’s stained glass and architecture can be seen.

The leaflets are available in the church and from Information Centres and libraries round the county. They can also be obtained from the churchwardens.

Preedy has also worked on churches in London and East Anglia, including Ely Cathedral..

Chancel south window "Surely he has born our griefs"

Door hinge with Preedy's trade mark open flower design.

Carving of an open flower on one of the pew ends.

Detail of font carving: Noah and the dove.

Detail of floral design on pulpit