ELMLEY CASTLE, WORCESTERSHIRE
Grid Ref: SO 982 411
Dates: 25 Sept 2008
Many people see the signs in the Pershore area pointing to Elmley Castle and hope, in vain, to glimpse the battlements. This is because only the foundations remain and there is little to see from paths accessible to the public. However, the church of St. Mary is well worth a visit. These pictures were taken while walking from Bredon's Norton via Great Comberton to Elmley Castle and back over Bredon Hill past the remains of the Castle.
There is an alabaster tomb depicting Sir William Savage, who died in 1616, Sir Giles, his son, who died in 1631 and his wife Lady Catherine Savage. She is shown holding Sir Giles' posthumous daughter. Figures of four sons (not shown) stand at the foot of the memorial. Lady Catherine Savage, who died in 1674 aged 84 is buried at Malvern Priory. The tomb is in the North Transept.
There is an elaborate memorial to the 1st Earl of Coventry who received his title from William III. The earl's widow, who was his second wife, went on to marry Mr. Thomas Savage of Elmley Castle and had the monument made for her late husband. The 1st Earl is buried at Croome d'Abitoit but the 2nd Earl disputed his step-mother's ancestry and would not allow the monument to be placed at Croome d'Abitoit.
The pedestal of the font, showing coiled dragons, dates from the late 11th or early 12th century. The bowl dates from the first part of the 16th century. Panels include the Tudor Rose, badges of Henry VIII, who owned the manor until 1544 and symbols of the local families including Savage and Beauchamp. The font is at the back of the nave near the foot of the tower.
Sources
Notes on the church from the Official Guidebook
 |
|
 |
| Half-timbered cottages on the outskirts of the village |
|
Row with the public house |
 |
|
 |
| "Chocolate box" cottage |
|
Elizabeth I arriving in 1575 |
 |
|
 |
| The church dedicated to St. Mary |
|
Sundial base with Savage arms |
 |
|
 |
| Effigies on the Savage family tombs |
|
Savage Family plaque and arms |
 |
|
 |
| Head of Lady Catherine Savage died in 1674, |
|
Monument to Earl of Coventry |
 |
|
 |
| Sir Giles' posthumous child |
|
The Nave |
 |
|
 |
| Pews in the South Aisle and the organ beyond |
|
The South Aisle |
 |
|
 |
| Funeral Bier |
|
The Font with pedestal |
The monuments in this church, like in so many others, reminds us of the verse by Thomas Gray, in his Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard:
The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power,
And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave
Awaits alike th' inevitable hour:—
The paths of glory lead but to the grave.
1.0 Strict 