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History of St. Dubricius Church The parish church is one of the oldest in the Deanery of Ross and Archenfield; Its foundations date from the 9th century and the oldest part goes back to the 13th century. The church is in the Decorated style of architecture with walls of local sandstone rubble and ashlar and the roof of stone slates. The bowl of the font is Norman in origin, the lower edge being cut away to octagonal form to fit a 14th or 15th century stem with a square base. The church was enlarged in Victorian times. Outstanding examples of locally-produced needlecraft and tapestries decorate the church. St. Dubricius lived in Herefordshire in 6th century and founded monasteries which were centres of learning. Legend has it he had a miraculous birth. The tulip tree near the south porch is reputed to be over 300 years old and blooms every year in June and July. See the Links page for additional histories. Gwillim Grave Enclosure The west side of the churchyard contains the Gwillim tomb. The Gwillims, who owned the Old Court, Whitchurch from 1600 to 1868, were benefactors of the church. Thomas Gwillim, who built the grave enclosure, had from his family of six only one grandchild, Elizabeth Posthuma, who was the daughter of his son Colonel Thomas Gwillim. Elizabeth was a remarkable woman who at 19 years old married John G. Simcoe, future first Governor of Upper Canada and founder of Toronto. More information on A downloadable list of cremations, burials, funeral services and Plan of graves. Please click here to download the Excel file Please click here to download the plan of the churchyard Please click here to download the instructions on how to access the information
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