The Later Middle Ages

Many churches built before 1200 had to be enlarged in the 13th century. Many churches were remodelled, not necessarily to accommodate a growing population, but to adapt to architectural fashion and to changes in the way services were held. Many chancels were enlarged when worship became more elaborate, with bigger processions and longer masses. Sedilia (seats for priests) were often added, as were piscinas (little water basins) for washing the sacred vessels and aumbreys (little cupboards built into the wall) to store liturgical books and the reserved sacrament. Goodrich Castle's chapel has excellent examples of these three features.
 
Stonework became more decorative and beautiful stained glass windows were inserted. The churches in Eaton Bishop and Madley have remarkable examples of medieval glass windows.

During this period of enlargement, often a tower was added too. A fifth of the medieval churches in Herefordshire have a 13th century tower. It is thought that the massive towers of the churches ofEwyas Harold and Richard's Castle may have also had a defensive purpose (Salter, p. 6). The tower of St.Michael at Garway was originally detached from the church and was only later joined to it by a low passage. It is thought that this tower, which looks like a castle, was built as a refuge from the marauding Welsh. 
 
Eight churches in Herefordshire have detached bell towers (in all of England and Wales there are only 40).

A particularly beautiful example of a detached bell house is the pagoda-like timber tower of Pembridge Church, which was built in the 14th century. This one was obviously not built for defensive purposes. 
 
[Original author: Toria Forsyth-Moser, 2002]