The Marches Way is a 281-mile path that runs the length of the border between England and Wales, linking Chester and Cardiff. As you might imagine, it picks up some churches along the way.
One leg links St Peters, Rowlestone, Herefordshire to our church at Llancillo.

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St Peters, Rowlestone is a 12th-century church with a 15th-century east end and 16th-century west tower. However, most notable are the fine Romanesque carvings by the Herefordshire School.

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The porch has a grand tympanum of Christ in Majesty, encircled in a beaded mandorla pulled open by four swooping angels.

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Inside, the chancel arch is a showstopper. Nailheads, doves, a sort of variation of egg and dart, and saints are cut into red sandstone.

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One curious element is the south capital, where the saints are upside-down. Some believe this is to depict St Peter (to whom the church is dedicated), as he was crucified upside down.

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...But others, think this isn’t right as the saint doesn’t carry keys and it doesn’t explain the upside-down angel beside him. Some believe the sculptor just made a mistake.

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From Rowlestone church follow the path southwest for over a mile. It will wind you through valleys and over hills, taking in great views of the Skirrid and the Black Mountains.

... And will lead you to St Peters, Llancillo.

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This tiny church is just as old as the one at Rowlestone, but very different in appearance, as it was remodelled in the 13th, 17th and 19th centuries. It is a delight: stuffed with interesting monuments, woodwork and stained glass.

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