Churches of the British Isles

St Mary Old Church, Ullenhall, is near Chapel Gate Farm, to the east of Ullenhall. It seems that the medieval village of Ullenhall was much closer to the 'Old Chapel'. Aerial photographs seem to back this theory, noting changes in soil colours where roads and buildings once stood. Siting a chapel on a hill such as this was of common practice, as it was clearly visible for miles around. Today it stands alone with its old cottages for company.

The original church was built around the twelfth century. The walls were decoratively coloured, and the mouldings and carvings suggest it was a beautiful building. In 1875 the Newton family of Barrells built the new church of St Mary on a site nearer to the present village. The nave of the old church' was considered to be in a dangerous condition and it was thought necessary to take it down. Only the chancel was repaired so that it could serve as a mortuary chapel.

All photos on this page kindly contributed by Aidan McRae Thomson.