IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Overbury, TEWKESBURY, GL20 7NP

The home of the Martin banking dynasty since the mid-eighteenth century. The house was rebuilt 1739-43, probably by William Smith, the youngest son of Francis Smith of Warwick. Richard Norman Shaw, Ernest Newton and Sir Herbert Baker all made additions from the last quarter of the 19th century up to around 1925. The house and estate are still owned by Martin descendants. This is a side view - the main facade is not visible without trespass.

Overbury Court was built around 1739, minor alterations took place in 1887 and Richard Norman Shaw carried out major alterations between 1897-1900, however, Pevsner states that little from this period is left and more recent work was carried out in 1959 by Victor Heal. The design of the original house has been attributed on stylistic grounds to William Smith the younger (Francis Smith of Warwick's son). Here the house is viewed from the entrance gate. For more information see: http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?id=148571

Looking East from beneath the tower. The tower vault was installed by Richard Norman Shaw in 1879-80, as were the choir stalls in the foreground. The vault over the chancel, however, is high status 13th century work. The East window glass is by Burlison and Grylls of 1885, and is arguably the best out of a rather uninspring selection. How a building of this quality cries out for Morris & Co.

Memorial tablet by Nelson Dawson, 1917 to Sir Richard Biddulph Martin of Overbury Court, who died in 1916. The present appearance of the village owes much to him and to his decision to employ architects R.Norman Shaw and Ernest Newton, who provided many fine buildings, both large and small. Sir Richard's family connection with Martins' Bank is remembered by the grasshopper at the foot of the inscription.

The eagle lectern, not the usual brass beast but here perched on an elegant marble column.

The font, with a 14th century stem and an early 12th century goblet shaped bowl.

Overbury church is dedicated to St Faith, to the left in the background, Overbury Court can be glimpsed.