St Mary the Virgin, Hanbury, Worcestershire
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Once the site of an Iron Age Hill Fort and later the home of monks, the present building dates from 1210. It has evolved under the patronage of two important local families, the Bearcrofts of Mere Hall and the Vernons of Hanbury Hall.
Captain John Osborn Walford survived Passchendaele and Fromelle, fought in France and Italy, and was awarded the Military Cross and bar. An inspirational officer, he led his troops in a series of daring actions; he was shot and suffered shellshock. But bravery took a terrible toll. When he finally returned home, he was a troubled man, haunted by what he had seen. Captain Walford, shot himself dead on February 21, 1922.
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