What else could you anticipate a group of guides doing on their summer outing? Naturally, a guided tour! This summer, the Hereford Guild of Mayor’s Guides set off on an exhilarating adventure to the charming village of Garway, located near the Welsh border. They enjoyed a guided tour of the delightful St Michael’s Church, one of only a handful of churches in England constructed by the Knights Templar, boasting the most significant remnants of a Templar church still standing in England.

Our aim as guides is to point out places and features that perhaps generally would not be obvious. Our guide and this church offered those in bucket loads. The Church contains examples of carved Templar coffin lids, which were reused as steps and window lintels by the Hospitallers who took over the church when the Templars were “removed”. There are strange carved stone crosses and incised figures on the walls of the Church. The nave contains original pews, dating back to the 17th century among so many other treasures.

The allure of Garway is not just in its scenery, but also in its captivating stories waiting to be unveiled. A place where it feels that time has stood still.

Stay tuned for more adventures with the Hereford Guild of Mayor’s Guides as we continue to delve into the rich tapestry of history!