St Peter & St Paul, Long Compton
Main Road
Long Compton
CV36 5JJ
Lych gates aren’t that uncommon but this one is practically a small house, known locally as ‘the gate house’, thatched and dating from the 1600s it is all that is left of a row of small cottages. It was the home and shop of the local cobbler. Inside the porch you’ll find the recumbent figure of a 14th century lady. No-one knows for sure who this mystery woman is.
See below for details of other churches close to Long Compton in the SW7 group, all worthy of a visit.
Opening Times
Church is open to visitors every day from 10.00am to 6.00pm (or dusk in winter).
Facilities
- 5-6 cars outside church, otherwise on street parking opposite the church
- The Red Lion pub, heading south on A3400 - 0.5 miles
- Yes - Ramps stored behind open door of porch
- Bus services from Oxford/Chipping Norton & Shipston/Stratford stop outside the church. Nearest rail
- Toilet available when key-holder is on site.
- Guided tours and refreshments can be booked in advance by contacting Rev. Richard Smith 01608 684207
Other Destinations
Discover the South Warwickshire 7
Information leaflet and maps for walks between this group of churches
Rollright Stones
A mini Stonehenge.
Signposted from the A3400 south of Long Compton
South Warwickshire 7 Churches close to Long Compton are:
St. Barnabas, Burmington
This simple rural church is set close to the manor house and has the remains of an ancient cross in the churchyard. Records began here in 1291, the medieval church being in ruins by 1688 and rebuilt in 1692 by the parishioners.
St. John the Baptist, Cherington
A fascinating church with an effigy of a 14th century franklin lying under a canopy. The stained glass is almost entirely brought from other places and the fragments have been recycled in an unusual way!
St. Lawrence, Barton on the Heath
A church close to where four counties meet and the final resting place of Thomas Dover, famous locally for founding the Cotswold Olympick Games in 1612. Look out for the unusual animal carved into the large arch. The jury is out as to which animal ithis is meant to be!
St. Martin, Barcheston
Barcheston saw the birth of tapestry making in Great Britain. The Sheldon family were influential in bringing this manufacturing to our shores. An excellent guide book called A Tapestry in Time is available.
St. Michael, Great Wolford
This elegant church with a soaring spire has an interesting school bell displayed in the porch along with an old village bier designed to make the transportation of coffins much easier.
St. Michael, Whichford
An SW7 church. The final resting place of two important Johns. The tomb of John Mertun depicts an unusual early pair of spectacles and is made of alabaster. Close to Whichford Pottery.