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HISTORY
OF CLEEVE PRIOR CHURCH
by Millie
by Millie
The next oldest part is the nave which dates from the first years of the 13th century.
Later on in the 13th century the chancel was added and in the 14th century the priest's door and chancel windows were inserted.
The tower dates from the late 15th century.
The church has been repaired and restored in recent years.
The church was worth £6 in 1291.
The church was dedicated to St Andrew in 1315.
The three-light East window of the chancel is modern and is in the style of the 14th century.
The Western windows on the North and South chancel are also 14th century.
The second and third windows on the North side of the Nave date from the 13th century.
Tower
The first bell dates from 1658 and is inscribed with the words cantate domino canticum novum 1658”. This means “Sing to the Lord a new song”
The second bell also dates from 1658 and is inscribed with the words “God is our good speed”
The third bell dates from 1722 and the fourth from 1658
From the earliest dates the control of the church belonged to the Priory at Worcester and in 1214 Monks lived near and worshipped in the church.
The control of the church remained in the possession of the Prior until the time of Henry VIII and the dissolution of the monasteries. After the Restoration of the monarchy under Charles II the church returned to them and has remained there ever since.
- The vicarage was not built until the manor was given to William Norman. Before this the manor house and the church had been together.
- The earliest graves seen today are near the church door and date back to the 1600s and 1700s.
