St. Nicholas Church – Sutton St. Nicholas

sally — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 19:07:18 +0000

The church of St. Nicholas is 12^th century, with additions in the 13^th century and renovations in the mid 17^th century. The spire was taken down in the 18^th century due to lack of funds for repairs.

It was one of the churches that belonged to the Knights Hospitalers of the Order of St. John, the Priory of St. Guthlac having made the rights over to them in the late 12^th century. and here they reserved the right to use the graveyard to bury pilgrims who died.

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Memorials

John Griffiths

John, only child of John Griffiths of the City of Hereford, Surgeon, and Margaret his wife. Died 20th Sept. MDCCCXX1 aged 18 years. Also John Griffiths, died 21st January MDCCCXXXV11 aged 72 years. Also Margaret, relict of the above, died XV11 Jan. MXCCCXL1V aged LXXVXV11

George Jancey

Sacred to the Memory of George Jancey, late of Pantalls in this Parish who departed this life on 26th day of February 1852 aged 69. Also Margaret Jancey, widow of above who departed this life August 13th 1880 aged 94

Sutton St. Nicholas

sally — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 19:02:05 +0000

Sutton St. Nicholas lies about 4 miles outside Hereford and was once two parishes – Sutton St. Nicholas and Sutton St. Michael – but these were brought together in 1876 although both churches remain in use.
It is home to an interesting legend. Not far from the village, close to the side of the road, is the Wergin Stone – which in fact is two stones. There have been many suggestions as to its possible age and use, but nobody is certain as to either although it is believed that it may have been used as a flood mark. The rough stone is nearly five feet tall, and is set in an irregular pentagonal base.
The Wergin Stone is also known as “The Devil’s stone” and the story goes that in the 17th century the Devil moved the two stones some 240 paces during the night, and it took a team of 9 oxen to put it back where it belonged.
Just south of the village is the remains of an iron age fort, Sutton Walls, where King Offa had a splendid palace. Skeletons have been found on the site, many of them clearly showing a violent death.

Herefordshire Past » suttonstnicholas