The Church of All Saints, Church Lench

All Saints', Church Lench Interior of All Saints' church, Church Lench

The parish church of All Saints' was originally built in the 12th century. Few traces of this building, consisting of a nave and a short chancel, now remain although the south doorway and the blocked-up north doorway have survived. The south aisle was added in the 14th and 15th centuries, initially as a Lady Chapel but later extended to form the complete aisle, with the Norman doorway being reset into the new southern wall. During the 15th century the nave roof was raised with the addition of the clerestory (upper) windows and a large window was inserted into the north wall of the nave.

All Saints' church tower, Church Lench

The 15th century also saw the construction of the lower stages of the tower; work which was completed during the 16th century. The tower houses a peal of six bells, the fifth of which is dated 1600 and bears the names of the churchwardens and the inscription "GEVEF THANKS TO GOD". The remaining bells were cast by Taylor of Loughborough in 1869-76. The bells were re-hung in 2000 for the Millennium.

During the middle of the 18th century the church was extensively renovated under the direction of Frederick Preedy; a vestry was added, the organ installed and the chancel and porch were completely rebuilt. Between 1854 and 1867 new stained glass, designed by Preedy, was inserted into most of the windows in the church - some of the earliest examples of his stained glass work. The church is listed as a grade II* building.

Window at All Saints', Church Lench Window at All Saints', Church Lench Window at All Saints', Church Lench Window at All Saints', Church Lench

Parish registers are available for the following years:

Held at the Worcestershire Records Office:
Baptism registers*1692-1987
Marriage registers*1702-1988
Burial registers*1702-1965
Copies held at the London Family History Centre:
Baptism registers1692-1965
Banns registers1756-1812, 1823-1903
Marriage registers1702-1964
1702-1812 (transcripts)
Burial registers1702-1965
Bishops Transcripts1615-1640, 1660-1700 (baptism, marriage, burial)
* Information from later registers is available from the Rector
The Bishops Transcripts are not a complete record: information for some years may be missing