St Michael’s Church, Upton Cressett

The beautiful Grade I picture-book Norman Church of St Michael has sat in a quiet valley since the 11th century.

The church building is largely 12th-century, with the nave and chancel dating from this time, an early-13th century south chapel, and a late medieval timber porch dating to around the 14th – 15th centuries. The south door and chancel arch are Norman, as are several small windows and a simple but beautiful decorated bowl font.

Restoration work on the west wall in 1968 revealed a hidden medieval wall painting dating to c. 1200, which depicts an angel, enthroned king, and broad band of foliage. You will see this immediately on your left as you walk in to the church through the gorgeous late medieval timber-framed porch.

Although the interior is quite sparsely furnished, this church is an absolute gem and one of my personal favourites. The architecture of this church is delightful, and you can feel the history when inside this ancient church.

St Michael’s was selected as one of only four Anglo-Saxon or Norman churches in the country to be included in a book by the Churches Conservation Trust celebrating the most Beautiful English Churches. It was also voted one of the top 20 churches in the country.

The nearby Upton Cressett Hall is an Elizabethan red brick manor dating to the late 16th century, encasing an earlier 15th-century timber house.