This cache is a camouflaged micro container carefully hidden just within sight of what is said to be Britain's Finest Baroque Church!
Church access is via a private road with two entrances. There are many pot holes using either access so please take care. I have included a waymark for the Little Witley gate house end which is easy to miss. Alternatively there is access from Great Witley.
As parish church for the villages of Great Witley and Little Witley it is used regularly for services, concerts and other events. It is a hidden gem and I strongly recommend you visit inside whilst here. Opening times are published on the church website:
https://www.greatwitleychurch.org.uk/opening-times/
Both of our children performed in many school concerts here and also declared their lifelong aspirations and ambitions at their Great Witley Primary School leaving assemblies. Many fond memories!
About St. Michael and All Angels Church
St. Michael and All Angels is, and has always been, the Church of England Parish Church for the villages of Great Witley and Little Witley. It has never been a private chapel. The parish of Great Witley was a flourishing community in saxon times and it is believed a parish church had existed on or around the present site for many centuries.
Whilst the adjoining Witley Court was inhabited the church was used regularly, but after the fire at the Court in 1937 it was abandoned, and most services were held in the Chapel of Ease in the village.
The church suffered a period of neglect until 1965 when an extensive restoration programme was started by concerned parishioners in order to save the Parish Church from further decay.
Exquisite Baroque decoration
It now displays a splendour which is unique amongst country churches in Britain. It has exquisite gilded decorations throughout, ceiling paintings by Antonio Bellucci, ten painted glass windows by Joshua Price depicting biblical scenes, splendid carved woodwork and a large monument by Michael Rysbrack. Full information can be found on the church website and also in a full colour publication.
There is an impressive organ and many musicians consider the church acoustics to be as fine as for any building of its size outside London.
The Crypt
The vaults in the crypt were opened up a few years ago and are now on view to the public. They contain lead coffins in various states of decay and Lord Dudley’s original granite tomb. There is also the Samuel Thorpe tower clock from 1804 now restored and in working condition as well as a display of material and artefacts relating to the church and Witley Court, and the families involved over the last 300 years.
Tea rooms are close by and set in what used to be Lady Dudley's private gardens.
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Visiting Witley Court
Witley Court is under the care of English Heritage. Access and car parking is off the A443. You may wish to explore the estate, sculpture park, gardens and Witley Court ruins. The spectacular restored Perseus and Andromeda fountain 'firing' daily from April to the end of October. There is an admission charge unless members of English Heritage.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/witley-court-and-gardens/
Please avoid visiting during church service times unless you wish to join the congregation.
I'm sure you would be made most welcome.
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