Hagley, St John the Baptist

Few parish churches can be as attractively situated as St John the Baptist, sited as it is within the park of Hagley Hall, and quite close to the Hall itself. As you walk through the lychgate into the churchyard, you may well see the deer herd grazing in the distance.

Its origins go back to medieval times or even further, since there has been a church on this site since late Saxon times. Some evidence of the medieval church can be seen, notably the stone carving of the "Hagley Lion" which has been dated at c.1130.

The de Hagley family was responsible for enlarging and rebuilding the church in the 14th century. Evidence of this period is to be seen in three arches of the south aisle, built in the Decorated style, c.1300. A wooden board near the present entrance door lists the Rectors of the parish from 1285.

The north aisle was enlarged in the early 19th century, and the church was further enlarged and virtually rebuilt in 1856, when its interior assumed its present day shape. The imposing tower was added in 1865 and a peal of 8 bells was hung.

The rebuilding, under the direction of the architect G E Street, was carried out during the rectorship of the Revd William Henry Lyttelton (1847-84) brother of the 4th Baron, George William Lyttelton, prominent politician and brother-in-law of William Gladstone. Apart from work on the church, the Rector, with his brother's support, established schools in the parish.

Inside the church, around 30 monuments to various members of the Lyttelton family can be discovered, not forgetting a rather touching memorial to a long lived family nurse. One rare feature in the nave is the two Garter banners, belonging to 10th Viscount Cobham, great-grandson of the above named Lord George William, and also his grandson, 1st Viscount Chandos, both members of the Order of the Garter. The lovely wrought iron screen was erected as a memorial to a young officer killed at Gallipoli in 1917. The stained glass windows are mainly 19th century and include the work of Charles Kempe and Henry Holiday.

Please also visit our daughter church, St Saviour (postcode DY9 0NS), just a mile away.

Postcode: DY9 9LG

Website: www.hagleycofe.co.uk

Opening Times
Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5.30pm (April – September)
Monday – Sunday, 10am – 4.30pm (October – March)

Telephone: 01562 730 248

Service Times

Sunday	8am	Holy Communion (except 3rd Sunday, when at St Saviour's)
	6.30pm	Evening Prayer (April - September)
1st Sunday	10.30am	Holy Communion
2nd Sunday	10.30am	Morning Prayer
3rd Sunday	10.30am	Parish Communion