| Church of St Mary Magdalene | |
| Location: | Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire |
| Osgraw: | SO 460 420 |
| Coordinates: | 52.074°N -2.7898°W |
| Dedication: | Mary Magdalene |
| Denomination: | Church of England |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Hereford |
| Architect: | William Cheiake |
| Heritage Designation: | Grade II* |
| Designated Date: | 27 January 1967 |
| Completed Date: | 1880 |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
The Church of St Mary Magdalene is an Anglican church in the village of Stretton Sugwas, in Herefordshire, England. The church is in the Burghill Benefice.[1] The building, dating from the late 19th century, incorporates features from the earlier 12th-century church. It is Grade II* listed.
The church was built in 1877–1880 by William Cheiake of Hereford. It is of sandstone, with a roof of Welsh slate; the tower in the north-west has a timber-framed upper part, similar to the 16th-century tower of St Bartholomew's Church at Holmer.[2] [3]
The former church of Stretton Sugwas, built about 1150 and in disrepair by the 1870s, was demolished; the floor plan is visible in the grounds of the Priory Hotel in the village. Pieces were re-used in the new building. Timbers from the old church were incorporated in the tower; Romanesque arches in the south doorway, and in the doorways leading into the tower, are from the old church. Some of the windows were re-set from the old church. Windows in the chancel are 19th-century: two 2-light windows in the south of the chancel and the east window of 3 lights with tracery.[2] [3]
The font is medieval. In the south wall of the nave is an incised slab, from the old church, to Richard Greenway (or Grevelhay) and his wife (1473). The 19th-century screen at the entrance to the vestry incorporates parts of the 15th-century chancel screen from the old church.[2] [3]
There are four bells in the tower: bells 1 to 4 are dated respectively 1671, 1813, 1930 and 1706. The former no. 3 bell, which is cracked, stands at the back of the north aisle.[3]
The Samson Tympanum, installed from the old church, is a particularly notable feature. It is situated is above the door to the tower, opposite the south door. A relief carving shows Samson astride a lion and forcing its jaws open. It is thought to have been created by a medieval sculptor known as the Chief Master, working under the patronage of Ralph de Baskerville.[2] [3]