Church of St. John the Baptist
For over 800 years people of Penhow have worshipped on Sundays at the medieval church of St John and today priests and congregation extend a very warm welcome to all residents, new and old, to meet with us and continue the tradition of Christian worship.
You will find the church on a rocky knoll just off the A48 alongside Penhow Castle and Castle Farm.
Each generation since medieval times (12th/13thCentury) has added to, nurtured and developed the ancient church, starting with an ancient preaching cross; the remains of its steps can still be seen under the yew tree. Two windows on the north wall were added in Elizabethan times (1400-1500s), and the tomb of Sir Thomas Bowles (knighted in 1482 by the Duke of Gloucester, later Richard III, died in 1511). His memorial was set in the interior wall of the Chancel.
In the 1700s the installation of the peal or what is now six bells was started and in the early 20th Century the castle’s owner, Mrs Perry-Herrick, directed the building of the vestry, rebuilt the tower and other refurbishments. The love and care of the community during these times is reflected in the fabric of the church. Its beauty and simplicity has created an atmosphere of calm, a much-needed relief from the noise and bustle of modern life.
