The Geocache
A small bison within a host.
The Church
St Mary’s of Little Birch is the third church on the site, and was built in 1868 by Coleman of Churchill, Gloucester. It was designed by W. Chick. It is of "Early decorated" style, slightly longer than it's predecessor, and has the addition of a north aisle and a polygonal chancel. The entrance is on the more sheltered Northern side. There is a small vestry with it's own entrance at the end of the northern aisle, opposite what was the Rectory, which is now "The old Rectory". The building stone was partly re-used from Ham Hill Quarries in Somerset. The dressed stone inside is also from there interspersed with Bath Stone. The stained glass was supplied by Hartland and Fisher of London - with the exception of one circular central panel in the West window. This 'exception' window panel was designed and supplied in 1986 by Hobbs of Much Birch to replace a storm damaged panel. Most of the woodwork is of deal with the exception of that in the chancel, which is made of oak. The church was consecrated in 1869.
The organ, which is situated in, what is affectionately known as "The organ cage", was built by Gray And Davidson of London. It originally had one manual, (keyboard), until in 1910, the upper manual was installed. The upper manual was built by Willis, so effectively, the organ is two organs in one. (At Little Birch, we like our eclectic mixes). Until 1963, the organ was pumped by hand until the electric pump was installed during that year.
Access
Parking is limited. PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE FARM DRIVE.
The Settlement
The village of Little Birch is situated approximately 6 miles south of Hereford, close to the A49. As the land use within the village is almost entirely agricultural and residential, most services are located outside the village. The nearest primary school is situated near to Much Birch and the nearest pub in Kingsthorne.
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