©Terry Richardson 2013

Location: On minor road west of B4347 at the hamlet of Bacton. Car park by the Church.

Grid reference: SO 371324 Postcode: HR2 0AR
Guidebook available.

• The earliest dedication at Bacton was to Saint Foi, a disciple of the 6th century Bishop Dubricius (or Dyfrig), who came to be equated with Saint Faith of Conques in France in the Medieval period.
• The present Church is mainly 13th century with 14th–15th century alterations and a tower that is mostly 16th century.
• The repaired, late 15th century choir stalls have a tiny carved Parry coat–of–arms and were probably designed to match the now lost Rood Screen. The date suggests they were commissioned by Blanche Parry's parents.
• This Church was the mausoleum, or burial place, for Blanche's family.
• The steps in the wall to this Screen, which divided the chancel from the nave, can still be seen.
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  ©Terry Richardson 2013

  Bacton has a number of unique features, the most notable of which is the monument commissioned for herself by Blanche Parry, the confidante of Queen Elizabeth I. This is securely dated to before November 1578 and so is the earliest known representation of the Queen as an icon, as Gloriana.
• Opposite the door is a fragile and unique framed silk altar cloth fashioned from an Elizabethan court dress, possibly belonging to the Queen herself and presumably sent to Bacton by Blanche.
• Amongst the other interesting memorials are two tablets from the 1914–1918, First World War. Carved on these are coloured, military ribbon decorations, which are very rare features on such memorial stones.
• Bacton owns a pre–Reformation chalice and paten (kept in Hereford Cathedral).
• The stained–glass is modern. The early stained–glass showing Blanche's father and her grandparents can be seen in the Gallery.
• The Bacton Church Guide gives details and is also on sale in the Church.
• Also available there, for £5 to help the Church, is Blanche Parry & Queen Elizabeth I, a book with superb pictures, in souvenir calendar format published to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. This book can also be bought through amazon.co.uk.
• The hall adjacent to the Church can be hired and, when open, has toilet facilities. It stands on the site of the Medieval ale–house.