In the mid 19th century the church was closed in order that general restoration could be carried out, and it was subsequently re-opened on 16th September 1858.

The church had been in a dreadfully dilapidated state, and was stated to be “a tasteless and bad copy of Palladian architecture”.  It was in fact in such a bad state of repair that it was positively dangerous – after one service a part of the heavy plaster ceiling fell down.  Many of the windows were decayed, and much of the interior was classed as “inappropriate”.

The character of the church was completely changed by the restoration, and it became a good example of early Gothic architecture, with a completely new roof of open construction;  new stone windows;  open sittings instead of the high pews;  a new pulpit and reading desk and a new communion rail carried on decorative standards, illuminated with gold and colour.

1889 – Sad Death of Preston Wynne Man

Charles Bethell was a 62 year old labourer who was single and described as a sober steady man.

Charles was sent one Saturday morning to Mr. Philip Holloway of Lower Town Farm, Preston Wynne, to fetch some harvest beer with a horse and cart.  The horse was a quiet one.

A witness saw Charles on Aylestone Hill in Hereford, where he suddenly fell off the cart backwards and slipped under a wheel.  The horse stopped, and two men ran to help – they backed the cart off Charles and picked him up.  Charles said that he would be fine if they just held him up for a bit, but he had lost the use of his legs – he spoke clearly and was able to tell them who the horse and cart belonged to.

Charles was taken to the Infirmary, and Mr. Nicholson the House Surgeon found the his skull was fractured and his spinal cord was severed.  He was still conscious, but he died three days later.

Churches of Preston Wynne

• Holy Trinity Church - Preston Wynne

  This church is unfortunately locked as a matter of course. It is only accessible by walking across a field, and one should check carefully for  livestock!

  In the mid 19th century the church was closed in order that general restoration could be carried out, and it was subsequently re-opened on 16th September 1858.

   

  The church had been in a dreadfully dilapidated state, and was stated to be “a tasteless and bad copy of Palladian architecture”.  It was in fact in such a bad state of repair that it was positively dangerous – after one service a part of the heavy plaster ceiling fell down.  Many of the windows were decayed, and much of the interior was classed as “inappropriate”.

   

  The character of the church was completely changed by the restoration, and it became a good example of early Gothic architecture, with a completely new roof of open construction;  new stone windows;  open sittings instead of the high pews;  a new pulpit and reading desk and a new communion rail carried on decorative standards, illuminated with gold and colour.

   

   

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  

  Read More >

• News from the past Preston Wynne

  Bits of news from the past

  1889 – Sad Death of Preston Wynne Man

  Charles Bethell was a 62 year old labourer who was single and described as a sober steady man.

   

  Charles was sent one Saturday morning to Mr. Philip Holloway of Lower Town Farm, Preston Wynne, to fetch some harvest beer with a horse and cart.  The horse was a quiet one.

   

  A witness saw Charles on Aylestone Hill in Hereford, where he suddenly fell off the cart backwards and slipped under a wheel.  The horse stopped, and two men ran to help – they backed the cart off Charles and picked him up.  Charles said that he would be fine if they just held him up for a bit, but he had lost the use of his legs – he spoke clearly and was able to tell them who the horse and cart belonged to.

   

  Charles was taken to the Infirmary, and Mr. Nicholson the House Surgeon found the his skull was fractured and his spinal cord was severed.  He was still conscious, but he died three days later.

  Read More >