The Geocache
A 450ml clip lock box inside a camo bag.
The Church
St David's, is a small village church set in the beautiful countryside of South Herefordshire on the edge of the Wye Valley AONB. The history of the church goes back to at least the 14th century, and there may have been a church on the site as early as the 7th century. The location of the church may go some way to support a Saxon foundation. Early church sites tend to be tucked away in valley bottoms, close to a source of water. Their churchyards tended to be roughly circular in shape with the church built in the centre.
Only the tower remains of the original medieval building. The rest of the church was designed by Victorian architect Frederick Preedy in 1869 -71. It has a number of interesting features: the medieval tower housing a set of six bells that are rung regularly, a Millennium window designed by local artist Nicky Hopwood, and a 1903 Positive organ. Preedy designed and manufactured the stained glass in the sanctuary, the reredos and the zinc panels either side, and the pulpit and font.
Below the memorial on the North wall of the nave to those from the village killed in the First World War is a plaque to the memory of John Hansard who was a stoker on HMS Charybdis, sunk by enemy action off Guernsey on 23rd October 1943. As the bodies were washed ashore the Germans occupying Guernsey decided to bury the men with full military honours. The Islanders seized upon this as an opportunity to show their loyalty to Britain and their respect for the men who died. 5,000 Guernsey people attended the funerals, bringing with them 900 wreaths. A local man removed one of the Union flags that draped a coffin as it was lowered into the ground. This was presented to the Church in 1973 where it is now preserved.
The church is open during the summer months from about 10am to 5pm. For access to the interior in the winter months, Churchwardens and other keyholders are listed on the noticeboard by the Church car park.
At Little Dewchurch we care for the churchyard to keep it as a place of peace for quiet reflection and as a haven for wildlife. With this in mind, I have placed the geocache close to the Church, but not on Church property, with no need for visitors to trample over graves nor to disturb wildlife or grieving relatives. You are very welcome to explore the Church by keeping to the designated pathways.
Access
Ample Parking can be found adjacent to the Church. A waypoint is provided.
The Settlement
The village of Little Dewchurch is on the Hoarwithy Road from Hereford to Ross via Hoarwithy, signposted from the mini-roundabout on the Holme Lacy Road in Putson, approximately 6 miles south of Hereford centre. The church is sign-posted from the Village Green. The history of the village suggests that in medieval times the village was located adjacent to the church and the old road from Hereford to Ross and Monmouth. This road followed the route of the present footpath running north/south across Sunnybank.
If you would like to add to the Church Micro series yourself then please look here
http://churchmicro.co.uk/
There is also a Church Micro Stats & Information page that can be found at
http://www.15ddv.me.uk/geo/cm/index.html