This ancient parish church, dedicated to Saint Leonard, has existed since at least the late 12th century; the date of the earliest incumbent (priest in charge) being 1199 AD. It is quite possible that there was a church on this site before William arrived in England (1066) and there is a neighbouring church (St. Kenelm) which does date to the 800’s. Records are sparse since churches weren’t taxable and so weren’t recorded in parish rolls. The Chancel and Nave, built from local sandstone, date from 1200 AD, and the South Aisle was added around 1270. A re-building in the first half of the C15th. reconstructed the Chancel, preserving the beautiful, original, barrel-vaulted roof, and added the square Tower. The last major reconstruction took place during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) and included the Porch, and added the Upper Vestry and the North Aisle. We are, therefore, heirs to some 800 years of history and the worship of God on this site. Saint Leonard (of Noblac) – a Fracovian cavalry officer of the C6th. - is the patron Saint of Prisoners of War (and others incarcerated) and his ecclesiastical symbol is broken chains (indicating prisoners set free).