St John the Baptist Church, Old Sodbury, has launched an appeal to restore its Grade II listed War Memorial Lychgate, which has suffered serious damage as a result of decay and deathwatch beetle.
Standing at the entrance to the churchyard, the lychgate has welcomed generations of worshippers, visitors and walkers since it was built in 1920. Today, the church is determined to preserve this important part of the village’s heritage for generations to come.
The churchyard is also the final resting place of David Hartley MP, who played a key role in bringing the American War of Independence to an end. Although the United States celebrated its 250th birthday on 4 July this year, the American War of Independence did not officially come to an end until 1783. It was then that David Hartley, a diplomat commissioned by King George III, travelled to Paris to help bring the long-running conflict to a conclusion.
There, Hartley worked alongside the American negotiators John Jay, the future President John Adams, and Hartley’s friend Benjamin Franklin. Together, they agreed the terms and signed the Treaty of Paris, formally ending the war and paving the way for Britain to recognise American independence.
David Hartley is buried in his family grave in the churchyard at St John the Baptist, Old Sodbury, where his story continues to form an important part of the life and heritage of the village. A memorial to David can also be found set into the inner north wall of the church, which itself dates back some 900 years.
The Revd Chris Butler, Rector of St John the Baptist, said:
“We’re determined to preserve the lychgate, which is also the village war memorial, for future generations; a costly task that isn’t easy for a rural congregation.
“As an entrance to our village church, the lychgate provides a lasting sign of the Christian welcome to all, as well as a shelter from the rain. In its role as a war memorial, it also acts as a sign of remembrance, not simply looking back with gratitude, but looking forward in hope, trusting in Christ’s promise of resurrection and eternal life.
“We are also proud to be remembering David Hartley, a person who embodied Christian values of peace and justice through his life and work.”
The lychgate stands at a particularly beautiful and well-loved corner of the Cotswolds. The popular Cotswold Way national footpath winds its way through the churchyard, offering views across the River Severn towards the Black Mountains in Wales, as well as views towards William Tyndale’s Monument to the north.
All donations to the Lychgate appeal are greatly appreciated.
For more information on the church, David Hartley, and the war memorial appeal →
Make a donation to restore Lychgate →
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