Church House (1), Rectory Lane, Areley Kings, Worcs

Image: © P L Chadwick Taken: 25 Aug 2013

Church House, on the right, according to tree-ring dating was built in 1536. It was used primarily for the Church Ales, where ale brewed by the churchwardens was sold to raise money for keeping the fabric of the church in good repair. These events usually included singing and dancing. By the middle of the 17th century, Puritanism was a very powerful religious force in England. The Puritans were very much focussed on religious worship and piety rather than people enjoying themselves. As a result Church Ales were discontinued. Consequently Church Houses were put to other uses and over the centuries many disappeared, so few remain today. This one has been used as a school and a stables. It was drastically renovated in 2005, having fallen into a poor state of repair. It re-opened in 2006 and is run by a charitable trust who let it out to various groups for functions. The Church House at Areley Kings is one of only two surviving in Worcestershire. Interestingly the other one at Claines, Worcester, now known as the Mug House, is today a public house. Image

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