A Place of History, Remembrance, and Community

The churchyard at St Leonard’s Church, Beoley, Redditch, Worcestershire, has been a sacred resting place for the local community for over 800 years. Since the church’s origins in the 12th century, generations of families have chosen to lay their loved ones to rest here, making it a place rich in history and local heritage.

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Historic Monuments and Features

• Medieval Churchyard Cross
  Approximately 5 meters south of the church stands a Grade II listed medieval churchyard cross dating back to the 15th century. Originally a standing cross, it now features a 17th-century sundial in its socket, serving as a fascinating testament to the evolving history of the site.
   

• War Memorial
  Erected in 1921, this limestone cross commemorates the villagers who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars. The memorial features a distinctive pinwheel head and a sword carved in low relief, with the names of the fallen inscribed on its base, serving as a solemn reminder of sacrifice and community resilience.

 

The Grave of PC John Henry Payton

Among those buried here is PC John Henry Payton, a police constable tragically murdered in 1922 while serving the community. His grave remains a quiet reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve to protect us, and it is marked and honoured within the churchyard.

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Still Open for Burials and Ashes

St Leonard’s Churchyard remains open for burials and the internment of ashes, although space is becoming limited. It continues to provide a peaceful and sacred place for families to remember their loved ones.

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Care and Maintenance

The churchyard is lovingly maintained both physically and financially by the

members of St Leonard’s Church. Their ongoing commitment ensures that the

grounds remain a place of beauty, peace, and respect.

If you would like to support the upkeep of the churchyard, donations are warmly

welcomed. You can make a contribution via the QR code on this page or by

using this link here.

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Annual Churchyard Campaign

Each year, we run a Churchyard Campaign during which we write to local residents and friends seeking support towards the cost of maintaining this important community space. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for this campaign, please do contact the church office.