The church of St Margaret, Corse, Gloucestershire, is at the end of a narrow, dead-end road which should be travelled with caution. The village itself is scattered and the church sits in the traditional combination with the manor in the form of Corse Court. It is surrounded by apple orchards
The interior is simple but hold interest in the displays of village life and particulalry the influence of Chrtaism in the district in the early 19th century.
The building consists of north and south porches, chancel, nave, and a three-stage west tower with an external stair. Most of the church fabric is 14th century, with some restoration work in the Victorian period and early 20th century. The main east window is 15th century, while further windows in the nave and chancel are original 14th century work. Some fragments of original medieval glass still remain. The most interesting historic feature is the simple 12th century font, crafted in a chalice shape, ornamented with cable design and scallops under the bowl rim.
The eastern end of the churchyard was originally part of an orchard belonging to Corse Court. It was later converted into a burial ground for local Quakers; one of the first Quaker cemeteries in Britain.
The church is approached through an area of woodlands known as The Wildwood. This is the last remains of the medieval hunting forest known as Corse Chase. The rest of the forest was cleared to create a large area of common land known as Corse Lawn. The Lawn, in turn, was enclosed by an Act of Parliament in 1796.
Near the church is Snigs End, an estate established by Chartists under the leadership of Feargus O'Connor, a Victorian social activist who sought to create a utopian vision of a 'New England' based on worker's living off the land in communities. Snigs End is one of only five communities built by the Chartists before the movement came to an end.
Parking is available opposite the church.
The cache is a camouflaged 35mm film can. Please bring a pen.
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