St Mary the Virgin's Church, Bromfield

The church was built as a parish church before the Norman conquest and was described as being "a wealthy minster of royal foundation". Bromfield Priory was also in existence before the Norman conquest; it was served by twelve canons, and has a relatively detailed description in the Domesday Book. Monks were gradually introduced to the priory, and when Henry II granted it a charter as a Benedictine priory in 1155, both canons and monks were part of the establishment. Following that, the priory became subject to Gloucester Abbey, its priors being appointed by the Abbot of Gloucester. The priory took over part of the existing parish church. This had been rebuilt in the 12th century with a…

Between the nave and the north aisle is a two-bay arcade in Early English style. In the east wall of the chancel is a re-set piscina, and the south wall contains a 14th-century tomb recess. The ceiling of the chancel was painted in 1672 by Thomas Francis. It depicts the Shield of the Trinity surrounded by cherubs and texts, and angels holding a bible open at Psalm 85. The reredos consists of a triptych dating from about 1890 by the artist Charles Edgar Buckeridge. Also in the church are the Royal Arms of Charles II. The stained glass consists of a large series designed by Kempe dating from 1890 to 1922. There is a ring of six bells. Five of these were cast in 1737 by Abel Rudhall, and the…