St. Barnabas. Brampton Bryan
St. Barnabas. Brampton Bryan.
The present church is unusual in that built in 1656, it was one of only six churches built during the period of
the English Commonwealth ( There is a leaflet naming the other churches that we believe were built during
this time). It replaces an earlier building that was destroyed during the siege of Brampton Bryan castle during
the civil war in 1643.
The breadth of the church is all out of proportion to its length. Its nave and chancel are one, all covered by a
very fine double hammer beam roof. The church contains one early 14th century monument to Lady
Margaret de Brampton, shown holding her heart in her hands.
St Barnabas is unlike a mainstream Anglican Church, the interior has been described as a 'Puritans
Preaching Box'. More of this is available in leaflets in the church.
Brampton Bryan village was destroyed during the English Civil War when the castle was
besieged.
This image of the Civil War re-enactors shows the armies marching back through the mists of
time
I
PARISH of WIGMORE ABBEY
Sir Robert Harley
Earl of Oxford and Earl of March
Speaker of Parliament, Lord High Treasurer of Great Britain in
the reign of Queen Anne
The memorial to Sir Robert Harley is in St Barnabas Brampton
Bryan. He was friends with Swift and Pope. Harley collected
many ancient manuscripts which form part of the British
museum’s collection. You may notice annotations to various
old scripts attributing them to the Harley Collection
http://www.visitherefordshirechurches.co.uk/st-barnabas-brampton-bryan/
St Barnabas has successfully completed the first phase of its major Forward St Barnabas project for urgent repairs
and improvements. Initial support for this from the Heritage Lottery Fund was followed by significant Grants from the
Herefordshire Historic Churches Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, Harley Charity, All Churches Trust, Laslett
Charities, and four other Charities, together with some notable donations from individuals. Following additional
grants from the National Churches Trust, the National Lottery has now awarded £236000 from its Heritage Fund to
complete the Project!