Kempley

The village of Kempley can be found in the North Forest of Dean district, and is surrounded by unspoilt countryside. Kempley has two churches, St. Mary's dates back to Norman times and because of the great historic value of the 12th century frescoes inside it is now managed by English Heritage, and the Courtauld Institute have recently taken on the task of preserving these relics. St. Edward's Church dates back to 1903 and was designed by Randall Wells during the Arts and Crafts movement. John Betjamin described St. Edward's as "a miniature cathedral of the Arts and Crafts Movement".

Located between Kempley and Dymock village, lies the delightful Dymock Wood, which is varied in its array of wild flowers, especially in the spring, when you can see the daffoldils and the bluebells. "Daffodil teas" are a traditional source of refreshment, held in the local village hall during the daffodil season.

Tourist Information

The Church of St. Mary. Wild daffodils in the spring. The Vale of Leadon

Nearest Bank

The nearest banks are at Newent

Churches

St. Mary's, Kempley

The church at Kempley stands in a peaceful spot some distance away from the modern village. The most significant feature of the church is that it contains a group of frescoes which are among the best in the country. The tiny nave is early Norman, and the paintings here date from the 13th century. However, the best and oldest of the paintings are in the chancel. These frescoes date from 1130 and appear almost as fresh as when they were first painted, this being due to the Reformation whitewash and the Victorian varnish which was removed in 1872. The frescoes were restored to their original condition in 1955. Scenes in the chancel include Christ sitting on a rainbow blessing the world, while in the nave St. Michael weighs souls.

St Edward the Confessor

This is the modern church in Kempley, built in 1903, and contains several good modern sculptures.