Astley and Dunley

Civil Parish in Worcestershire Malvern Hills

England

Astley and Dunley

Yarhampton House Early 17th century timber-framed former farmhouse viewed from the passing road. — Yarhampton House Credit: Philip Halling

Astley and Dunley is a civil parish located in the county of Worcestershire, England. Situated approximately 5 miles north of the town of Stourport-on-Severn, this rural area covers a land area of around 6 square miles. The civil parish is home to a population of approximately 600 residents.

The village of Astley is the main settlement within the parish. It features a picturesque landscape with rolling hills and farmland, giving it a tranquil and idyllic atmosphere. The village is known for its charming cottages and historic buildings, including the Grade II listed St. Peter's Church, which dates back to the 12th century. The church is a notable landmark in the area and attracts visitors interested in its architectural and historical significance.

Dunley, on the other hand, is a smaller hamlet within the parish. It is located to the east of Astley and is surrounded by countryside. Despite its size, Dunley has its own unique charm, with a scattering of residential properties and a peaceful environment.

The civil parish of Astley and Dunley offers a close-knit community, with various local amenities and social activities. These include a village hall, a primary school, and a pub, which serves as a focal point for social gatherings and events.

Overall, Astley and Dunley is a quiet and rural area in Worcestershire, offering a peaceful countryside setting and a strong sense of community.

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Astley and Dunley Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.313865/-2.305601 or Grid Reference SO7968. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Yarhampton House

Early 17th century timber-framed former farmhouse viewed from the passing road.

Philip Halling

Looking southwest from the B4196 in 1987

John Baker

The Dog, Dunley

Richard Rogerson

Road junction in Dunley

House on the corner by a road junction in Dunley.

Philip Halling

Oak tree in an arable field

Oak tree in an arable field between Astely Cross and Dunley.

Philip Halling

Access road to the church etc., Astley, Worcs

The road on the left gives access to St. Peter's Church, its small car park and a couple of other properties. The road in the foreground is Church Lane.

P L Chadwick

St. Peter's Church, Astley, Worcs

The church dates from Norman times, probably mid-12th century. The aisle was rebuilt and widened in 1837-8, and there was a major restoration with substantial alterations in the very early years of the 20th century. Currently the church is fund raising for essential works. The church was originally built as the church for a Benedictine priory which was attached to the Abbey of St. Taurin near Rouen in France. As an "alien" foundation, the priory was suppressed in 1414, over a hundred years before King Henry VIII closed all the other remaining religious houses. Fortunately the church survived and contains a number of interesting monuments. SO7867 : Porch of St. Peter's Church, Astley, Worcs.

P L Chadwick

Porch of St. Peter's Church, Astley, Worcs

The porch was rebuilt in 1903-4, at the time of a major restoration of the church by the rector, the Rev. Martin Brereton Buckle. SO7867 : St. Peter's Church, Astley, Worcs.

P L Chadwick

Old graveyard at St. Peter's Church, Astley, Worcs

The graves here seem quite old and are showing the ravages of time. It is located opposite the church and next to the car park.

P L Chadwick

Looking towards Church Lane, Astley, Worcs

Looking from the access road which serves the church and a couple of other properties.

P L Chadwick

St. Peter's Church Restoration Fund information board, Astley, Worcs

Located at the side of the car park.

P L Chadwick

Church Lane, Astley, Worcs

The main road in the straggly village of Astley.

P L Chadwick

End of access road, Astley, Worcs

Just past St. Peter's Church the access road ends here, with entrances to two residential properties. SO7867 : Access road to the church etc., Astley, Worcs.

P L Chadwick

Prior's Mill and weir, Astley, Worcs

Prior's Mill is a former seventeenth century timber-framed water mill, with twentieth century alterations, and now used as a private residence. Next to it is a very high weir on the Dick Brook. There used to be several mills on this stream long ago. The Prior's Mill would not have been connected to Astley Priory, as that was dissolved in 1414 as an "alien house" and demolished centuries ago. However it is possible that an earlier mill was on the site of the present one or near to it, and perhaps that belonged to the priory. SO7867 : Weir on the Dick Brook, Astley, Worcs.

P L Chadwick

Weir on the Dick Brook, Astley, Worcs

This very high weir is next to the former Prior's Mill. Photographed from the road bridge over the Dick Brook. See:- SO7867 : Prior's Mill and weir, Astley, Worcs.

P L Chadwick

The Dick Brook, Astley, Worcs

Andrew Yarranton (1619-1684), who was born at Astley, was an early pioneer in attempting, not always successfully, to make various waterways navigable. The Dick Brook was one of his projects. The navigable section ran for about three-quarters of a mile from the River Severn, 3 miles below Stourport-on-Severn, to his blast furnace at Astley. It probably had 2 flash locks in the first quarter of a mile and was used to take iron-ore to the forge, which was about half a mile above the upper lock. It is thought that this work was done about January 1653 and that the navigation was not in use for very long. Looking at this rather unimpressive brook today, it is difficult to imagine that part of it was once used by boats.

P L Chadwick