Architecture and carvings Church of St Mary and St David, Kilpeck

for many years south door hidden wooden porch, removed in 1868 allow visitors see carvings intended. although has left doorway exposed elements, sandstone exceptionally robust, , condition monitored. in 1968 narrow protruding strip of lead let mortar above arch protect carvings water running down wall above.

eighty-five corbels survive, 1 fewer illustrated lewis in 1842 (originally there 91). meaning of obscure, come bestiary, , include sheela na gig.

two green men appear capitals on richly decorated columns of west window. in centre of corbel table below window, , @ each corner of nave s west wall, large protruding dragons heads coiled tongues. each of 3 mouths gapes different degree, rather animated sequence evenly spaced across western facade. (a fourth dragon head, on south-east corner of nave, broken.)

inside church, chancel arch richly carved, though far less spectacular south doorway. carved figures said have been inspired on puerta de las platerias @ santiago de compostela. ceiling boss or keystone of apse depicts 4 lions heads. there massive baptismal font of polished conglomerate, curious holy water stoup, shaped fat, tightly girdled torso (brought chapel near wormbridge), , rare romanesque font-stopper.

a simple belfry rises roof; although design in keeping of rest of church, 19th-century addition. elsewhere too, restoration , necessary modernization of church have conserved well.