An excavation by Mr Jack in 1927 revealed the foundation of a round nave which he attributed to the Knights Templars, the warrior monks of the Crusades, who were given land in the area in the 12th Century. To date, only five circular naves (an architectural feature brought back from Jerusalem) have been uncovered in the UK, Garway being the only one where the original such remains are still visible.

There is evidence of the Templars and Hospitallers throughout the church - their coffin lids used as building materials at times of reconstruction, a wooden chest which is thought to date from the time, the chancel arch etc. The external walls carry several markings attributed to the Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller, who followed the Knights Templar to the site.

The columnbarium (dovecote) on the adjacent private land was (as recorded on the plaque over the door) built - or perhaps rebuilt - by Brother Richard in 1326.

Several of the stones inside the dovecote bear inscriptions of names, or crosses similar to those on the outside of the church.

selection of past visits

Guarlford    |   Wool in the Cotswolds

King Arthur's Cave    |   Clee Hill    |   Upton-upon-Severn

Kilpeck and Abbey Dore    |   Knighton    |   Wroxeter Roman City

Blackfriars Priory, Gloucester   |   Kempsey   |   St Mary's Church Kempley

Garway Church, Herefordshire