Sunday, February 15, 2015

Garway, Herefordshire, England

   
The Knights Templar had been given land in Llangarewi (Garway) by King Henry II in 1180. These warrior monks immediately rebuilt the Saxo-Celtic Church in the usual circular nave and square chancel style, imitating the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The chancel survives but the circular nave has only been revealed through excavation. The once detached fortress-like tower was later built as a place of safety during Welsh border raids. The Knights had their Commandery on the site of the present Church Farm and the income from this Manor helped pay for many Crusading campaigns in the Holy Land. The place was so important that it even gained a visit from the Order's Grand master, James de Molay, in 1294.


Footings from the templar era

The areas of Much Dewchurch, Orcop, Garway, and other villages throughout the Golden Valley (Michaelchurch, St. Margarets, Peterchurch and Dorstone) were all part of Wales before the border was changed during the Norman Conquest.  

My third great grandmother is buried here. Nancy Ann Castree was raised in Much Dewchurch, Herefordshire, England and then married Samuel Eames from Orcop.

 The ceiling inside Garway Church

 Inside Garway Church


One of the cottages that was built by Samuel Eames, my 3g grandfather. He was a stonemason and built many homes in Orcop, Garway and Michealchurch.


 These little villages are next to the Black Hills of Wales. 

Linking to InSPIREd Sunday

12 comments:

Gerald (SK14) said...

a very solid looking building.

RedPat said...

Such history!

Poppy said...

Ruth, what results your amazing research has granted you! Your 3g grandfather's work is an architectural beauty.

Poppy

Tom said...

What a lovely church, unlike anything I'd see here. Tom The Backroads Traveller

orvokki said...

Your family has a very interesting history.
These photos are super nice.
Hugs

Ida said...

What a wonderful looking area. I really liked that last shot.

Unknown said...

Such an interesting history page!

Billy Blue Eyes said...

Looks like I'm going to have to look out for that one If I'm round the area, looks very interesting

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i love the path leading up to the house. very cool.

sorry i am late to commenting it's been a busy crazy kind of weekend. have a great day!! Beth ( :

http://www.elizardbreathspeaks.com/2015/02/st-johns-church-happy-valentines-day.html

Linda Kay said...

So beautiful in its simplicity!

Michelle said...

Wonderful history and that is one sweet cottage.

GreenComotion said...

Beautiful ceiling and a lovely home that your family built. Very nice story, Ruth. Thanks for sharing your photo story.
Have a Beautiful Day!
Peace :)

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