ST DUBRICIUS CHURCH

This idyllically sited church on the banks of the Wye is just 500 yards from the Old Court. Its origins relate to the 6th century St. Dubricius who was a prominent teacher and cleric. He founded several centres of learning and worship in this part of Herefordshire and became a Bishop of some standing. Largely through St Dubricius’s efforts Christianity was established in Herefordshire a century before St. Augustine landed at Canterbury.

The current church has evidence of 13th century origins and is one of the oldest in the Deanery of Ross and Archenfield. It became and still is associated with the Old Court from where Thomas Gwillim, the fifth in line, built the Gwillim family burial enclosure in 1744. There is also a dedication inside the church. Many of Elizabeth’s immediate ancestors are buried there in this peaceful and atmospheric place.

The churchyard is dominated by a North American `Tulip tree’ thought to be over 300 years old. Tulip trees – a form of white Virginia Poplar, were introduced in 1656 by the Tradescants who were gardeners to Charles I. Its large white flowers, of 2-4 inches in size, add to the beauty of the setting in June and July.