Chetton: Discover Church and Aviation Heritage

St Giles in Chetton is listed as a Grade II* church. The churchyard contains a medieval preaching cross and seven ancient yew trees. The Chetton Heritage Museum offers a different focus: most of its exhibits consist of aviation relics and military artefacts. The two subjects provide distinct perspectives. At St Giles, the historic place of worship and details of the churchyard take centre stage; at the museum, the collection focuses on aviation and the military. If you are planning your trip around a particular theme, this contrast clearly presents two interests: church heritage with historic features, or a collection related to aviation and the military.

Church and churchyard

The preaching cross stands south-east of the porch. Its 13th-century sandstone shaft survives; the sundial was added in the post-medieval period. This allows two elements from different periods to be distinguished on a single monument: the medieval shaft and the later addition. Its location places the cross within the churchyard, while the dates establish when its components were made.

Seven ancient yew trees stand at the edge of the churchyard. They draw the eye from the individual cross to the wider churchyard and complement its stone features with a landscape element. The church’s listing, the dating of the cross shaft and the later-added sundial relate to different levels: the building, one of its components and a later addition to it.

Aviation and technology at the museum

The museum’s themes come to life through a range of exhibits. The airframe of Jet Provost XN632 belongs to the museum; several volunteers are restoring it as an outdoor exhibit. This object draws attention to the aircraft itself, the restoration work and its planned outdoor display. The RAF Atcham Flag Pole offers a different perspective: it has been restored and can still be swung up or down for maintenance, as it originally could. Here, the notable technical detail is a function that has been retained. You can compare a restoration project involving an aircraft airframe with a restored structure that retains its swinging function.

Planning your visit

The museum welcomes visitors by appointment and accepts group bookings. It also runs a programme of open days throughout the year; check the individual dates before travelling. The Harrier GR3 XV808 can be viewed by appointment. If you particularly want to see this aircraft, making arrangements in advance is therefore part of planning your visit.

Bell ringing in Chetton

Bell ringing resumed in Chetton in June 2023. The bells are rung regularly, including for church services. June 2023 marks the restart; church services are one example of the recurring ringing. Alongside the buildings and museum, this also highlights a church practice that continues to be observed regularly.

Discover more destinations: Sidbury, Lydbury North, Silvington, Harley, Longville, Hinstock, Burlton, Llanyblodwel.

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