The Grandison tomb, exquisite European Renaissance carving, but sadly damaged by damp and even more sadly, by vandalism

An enormous church for Herefordshire - reflecting the local wealth. Prominant names are: Kyrle Pope; Money Kyrle; Noble; Mortimer. There is a section of the church wherein are many tombs and plaques relating to the Money Kyrle family

Mid 12th century font

Much Marcle is a sprawling village set about four miles from Ledbury on the Ross on Wye road. Agriculture has always been the main occupation for villagers, although cider making has also provided employment. Many of the 17th and 18th century farm building still survive, as do several cottages. Rising up from the village is a hill known as Marcle Ridge, and it was here that on 17th February 1575 a hefty landslip occurred – trees and animals were carried down the hill and deposited at the bottom – this event became known as “The Wonder” and in Victorian times people travelled from far and wide to view it, but for villagers at the time it must have been very frightening indeed.

An old pack horse route descending steeply from the top of Marcle Ridge has some old lime kilns, in fairly good order, set alongside the path.

There was also a castle within the parish, Mortimers Castle – now all that remains is the motte and a ditch, which is just about visible.
The village is blessed with two manor houses………Hellens and Homme House. Part of present day Hellens is 15th century, and it was once a much larger house but was reduced in size in 1641 and then again in the 18th century. It was originally built in the eleventh century and was inhabited by French Monks who were in the village trying to educate the locals! The de Balun family were granted the Manor in 1096; the mighty Mortimers were next, and then by 1301 the Lords Audley were in residence (they were made Lords of Gloucester in 1337). James, a nephew, rented Hellens for some years before it was leased to Walter de Helyon who gave the house it’s name. Bloody Mary was one of the royal visitors to his house, and it is said that her room is haunted (by a monk) along with some of the others. Poor Betty Walwyn, daughter of later owners, was imprisoned in one of the rooms for about 30 years, for the dreadful crime of marrying beneath herself (I think that she eloped with one of the stable lads) …….she eventually went mad and killed herself, and many people find the room disturbing and uncomfortable to be in. There are scratch marks on one of the window panes that are believed to have been made by Betty. During the second world war, many of the country’s finest artworks were stored here for safety, and although the German bombers did their best, fortunately they survived.

The church is huge for the size of the village population, and just outside the main door is a famous yew tree which is estimated to be at least 1200 years old. Unfortunately it is now slightly worse for wear, which is not surprising given it’s age and the fact that visits cannot resist sitting inside it.