'The legend of old nick'
In the quiet and remote country village of Weobley stands an old church called St. Peter and St. Paul's, this Norman church holds an unnerving legend and that is the legend of ‘old Nick’. It is believed by many that if anybody says the Lord’s prayer backwards whilst walking around the large cross in the churchyard they will call upon the devil, whether there is any truth in this story or whether it is just down to folklore is unknown and nobody as ever been brave enough to try it!
The church goes back many years and is built by red stone, unfortunately all that remains today to show that it was a Norman church is the re –set south doorway with chevrons. Whilst stepping inside the beautiful church, impressive and detailed features surround you as this delightful church offers tranquillity to any visitor. The chancel and the south aisle are late 13th century, the chancel opens to the nave by a high arch springing from brackets, on the south aisle is a 13th century coffin lid with a floriated cross, this is in memory of Hugh Bissof of Norton Canon.
Many changes and improvements were made to the church in the middle of the 13oo's, the lofty NW tower with a spire connected to corner pinnacles by flying buttresses was built and the chancel was lengthened in the late 14th century, the north aisle was alo widened in the 15th century. Inside the pleasant welcoming church are five 15th century stained glass figures and it is assumed that the knight on the chest is William Devereux 1430, there is however an imposing statue of Colonal Jon Birch 1691.
The village of Weobley has many old historic houses on view, there was also a castle that was once in weobley,, the castle was built in the 11th century by one of the De Lacy's, unfortunately today all that remains of the castle are mounds, however the charming church of Weobley is a county gem and certainly carries a uniqeness with it as it is one of a few churches in Hereford that as such a chilling legend attached to it.