Pilgrimage to Lugwardine
Jun 25, 2017
Lugwardine in Herefordshire was the home and workplace of William and Henry Godwin who are described as brick and tile manufacturers in the census of 1851.
They moved premises several times due to expansion occasioned by the success of their business and the large works they created on the edge of Hereford have now disappeared beneath a hideous, modern industrial estate. However they left plenty of evidence of their endeavours and generously donated many tiles to the parish (both St Peters Church and the Christian Fellowship Chapel). Other examples can be seen on and in private dwellings - more than one of these having been home to various Godwins at various times including Porch House, Penkelly and the New Inn (see photos below).
http://lugwardinechapel.wixsite.com/lugwardine-chapel-/our-famous-encaustic-tiles-by-godwyn
I met several delightful and informative locals but sadly there is no museum or signage to inform the curious visitor.
One of the first things I noticed was a house called The Old Tile Factory (which actually isn't)...
Encaustic tile plaques by Godwin of Lugwardine on the gates of Penkelly...
The New Inn, a former home of William Godwin, is currently being refurbished and will reopen soon as a restaurant and small hotel...
William Godwin was a Chapel man and there is a commemorative plaque to him there. Also a magnificent tile floor and various other wall plaques...
William Godwin is interred in a fine tomb in the graveyard of St Peter's Church...
These are believed to be the gravestones of Godwin factory workers...
Inside St Peter's Church...
These fine Godwin tiles beneath the High Altar have never been walked on and are as pristine as on the day they were laid...
