Deerhurst

Deerhurst is a village in Gloucestershire, England, situated on the River Severn, about 3 miles southwest of Tewkesbury. It is notable for its Anglo-Saxon history, particularly the remains of Deerhurst Priory, including Odda's Chapel and the Deerhurst High Cross.

History:

Deerhurst was an important religious centre in the late Anglo-Saxon period. The Deerhurst Priory, founded in the 8th century, played a significant role in the religious and political landscape of Mercia. Odda's Chapel, dedicated in 1056, is a rare and well-preserved example of late Anglo-Saxon architecture. The Deerhurst High Cross, fragments of which are scattered throughout the village, indicates the presence of a significant outdoor preaching site.

The Domesday Book records Deerhurst as "Derehurste". After the Norman Conquest, the priory was suppressed and its lands were granted to the Abbey of Saint Denis in France.

Sites of Interest:

• Odda's Chapel: A remarkably intact Anglo-Saxon chapel, dedicated to the memory of Ælfric, brother of Earl Odda. It was rediscovered in 1885, having been incorporated into a later farmhouse.

• Deerhurst Priory Church: The surviving elements of the former priory church, including notable architectural features from various periods.

• Deerhurst High Cross: Fragments of a once large and important Anglo-Saxon cross, now displayed in various locations within the village.

Modern Deerhurst:

Today, Deerhurst is a small, picturesque village popular with tourists interested in its Anglo-Saxon heritage. The village retains a rural character with agricultural land and a close-knit community. It remains a significant site for the study of Anglo-Saxon history and architecture.