St Michael with St Mary's Church, Melbourne

By any measure, this is a very impressive parish church. Started in 1120 and still having most of its original Norman stonework, it is one of the finest Norman parish churches in the country. It was partly renovated in the 1630s and again, fairly sensitively, in 1859-1862 by George Gilbert Scott although at that time an opportunity to preserve medieval wall paintings was missed, with one exception, which you can see in the pictures. Competition from several nonconformist chapels in the village in Victorian times ensured that there was only enough cash for Gilbert Scott to do the essential renovation tasks, thereby perhaps saving the church from over-zealous interference with its Norman character.Traces of the original three apses can be seen at the east end, inside and outside, and adorning the massive pillars which support the tower at the crossing are some amusing carvings, see the pictures attached. The nave has circular piers four feet in diameter topped with many-scalloped capitals and the arches are heavily decorated with zig-zag patterns. Above is a clerestory with properly Norman windows on the north side but pointed-arch windows on the south side said to date from 1220. The later date may have been due to the church not being finished until then by when fashions had changed or perhaps because of a fire which made necessary the rebuilding of the south side. According to Pevsner the wall passage around the clerestory, familiar from cathedrals and large collegiate churches, is unique amongst parish churches.Again according to Pevsner, the west front's two tower façade is unique amongst parish churches. Gilbert Scott added steeply pitched slate roofs, known locally as the pepper pots"

What a Norman gem of church. We were lucky to be there as the local school was visiting, the church was full of life and music.

The house and gardens were out standing. The guide that took myself and my group around was very knowledgeable and made it enjoyable. The gardens were a joy to walk around. The restaurant was a nice place to relax afterwards. The shop had a good choice of things you could buy. A really enjoyable visit.

Lovely church well worth a visit.

Fabulous Norman church, like a mini cathedral. Some amazing carvings on the capitals

Melbourne Parish Church has an emotional tie for me as it is the Church where I got married back in 2009. I have photographed there on numerous occasions and found myself back again last week. Steve, the Vicar was absolutly fantastic even letting the bridal party and I use his personal grounds to capture some amazing photographs.ChrisChris Mullane Photography

A lovely place to visit and enjoy. I was there to see a choir concert, as the normal venue was closed. I am glad it was. The acoustics are great ant watching is a lot easier than at the Assenbly rooms.

Beautiful building. Interesting display of their use of solar panels. Don't miss the pool just behind the church for a lovely walk

Great Christingle service, extremely full which was a joy to see. Visited from out of country and we loved it. Thank you for a wonderful Christmas Eve Family friendly service

This is a great addition to any day in this area, but is also worth the visit just on its own. Take your time to tour the church, find the crenellations in the pillars the images of the devil alongside those of God.