4. Areley Kings, St. Bartholomew's

 
 Situated on a sandstone bluff overlooking the River Severn and one of the most pleasant panoramas in Worcestershire the church shares a Conservation Site with the Queen Anne former Rectory and Tudor Church House. The church is Norman in origin but has a Georgian Chancel with Barrel Ceiling and clear glass East Window. The tower is 14th Century and houses the main church door. The North Aisle and Vestry were part of a sympathetic Victorian enlargement. The modern Grice Window is spectacular in the sunshine whilst outside the Outstout garden house and Conningsby wall are unique features. The first recorded priest was Layamon – writer of the famous ‘Brut’ an early chronicle of English history.

Open during daylight hours.
Parking for a small number of cars outside church. Disabled facilities. WC

areley kings small
grice window small

 ‘Church ales’ were produced and sold in order to raise funds for good causes in the parish. In the mid 15th century churches started to be used for worship only, and ‘Church Houses’ were built in the churchyards purely for the purpose of brewing and storing ales. By the late 17th century the growth of Puritanism meant that church ales attracted serious disapproval and church houses were gradually closed or demolished. The grade II* Church House at Areley Kings is one of only two church houses known to survive in Worcestershire - the other being the Mughouse at Claines.

church house

Church House

Turn back towards Stourport and turn right onto the Dunley Road. Fork left onto the B 4196 and follow that road until a turning on the right takes you to Trail church no. 4 - Astley.