Cradley Church
... in the centre of the village
Welcome
Welcome to the parish church of St. James the Great in Cradley. The Village of Cradley is blessed with a splendid historic church situated in the heart of the village surounded by beautiful rural English countryside. Black and white timbered cottages vie with up to the minute eco friendly housing. The history of the church is a fascinating one, however, the life of the church today is focused on forward looking worship and remaining relevant to the village population of today ... while the active bell-ringing group ensure that the village is still able to enjoy the sound of the church bells. The church is open from 8.00 am – 5.00 pm in the winter and 8.00 am – 7.00 pm during the summer.
Why not support the work of the church and its maintenance by joining the Cradley Church 200 Club? Joining forms are now available.
Eco church
In the first part of May 2025, Cradley Church was thrilled to announce that it received a Silver Eco Church Award. This is the result of a years’ application process, work by Tony Copp and John Parsons, with support from Revd Robert Ward, the PCC, Mike Hames and Sue Warner. Whereas this is a tribute to the work the church has undertaken over recent years, the PCC intends to continue to reduce the carbon footprint of the church still further, and enhance the local environment in the months and years ahead.
Find out more about 'eco church'
Audio Visual UpgradeCradley Parochial Church Council's latest project is to raise around £40k to upgrade and replace the aging audio-visual equipment in Cradley church. This would enable the provision of high quality audio and visual presentations and live-streaming for church services, including baptisms, weddings and funerals, as well as a facility for the community and Cradley School to stage concerts and productions.
View video to find out more about the audio-visual upgrade
Programme of repairsDuring the first half of 2019 a significant programme of repairs was carried out at Cradley church, part of which was funded from a grant from the National churches Trust.
Peace in which to pray
... fellowship in which to worship
Services this week
In Cradley or Live-streamed
Wednesday 18 February 2026 at 10:00 AMHoly Communion (said)
Wednesday 18 February 2026 at 6:30 PM
Live-streamed Evening Prayer
Please join us online (or by 'phone on 0330 221 0097 with Access Code: 496-060-773). (Order of service)
Sunday 22 February 2026 at 10:45 AM
Parish Communion
First Sunday of Lent
In our neighbouring churches
At Mathon
Sunday 22 February 2026 at 9:30 AM
Shorter Mattins
First Sunday of Lent
At Storridge
Sunday 22 February 2026 at 9:30 AM
Mattins - Lay led
First Sunday of Lent
Events
... to bring the community together
Events
Throughout the year the Church organises events to bring the village together and to celebrate milestones in the christian year.
Next event in Cradley
Sunday 1 March 2026 at 3:00 PM at Cradley Church
A concert for St David's Day featuring Malvern Male Voice Chior and Shelley Fairplay, Harpist, in Cradley Church.
Tickets £18 to include refreshments.
Tickets avalable from:
Margaret (01886 880529 / margaret.edgar3@btinternet.com)
Chris (01886 884553 / csroberts@talk21.com)
Cradley Village Store
All proceeds will be shared equally between Cradley Church and Cradley Village Hall.
Next featured up-coming event in the Benefice / Deanery :
Wednesday 18 February 2026 at 7:00 PM
at Cradley Village Hall
The course (running for six weeks on Wednesday evenings from 18 February to 25 March) is based on the film, and stage adaption of Victor Hugo's Les Miserables. Based around five characters, and explores the grace of God, alongside our fallen state and opportunities for redemption. The course will be led by Jane MacFarlane, Local Lay Minister. Contact Jane on 07582 931158 for further info and to register or add your name to the list in Cradley, Mathon or Storridge Church.
Our Rector
... Revd. Prebendary Robert Ward
Our Rector
The parish of Cradley is currently in a period of interregnum, the Revd. Preb. Robert Ward, having retired in May 2025 after 18 years of dedication to Cradley, Mathon and Storridge. The Bishop of Hereford and the Dean & Chapter of Westminster Abbey as joint Patrons, are pleased to announce that Rev Rosie Roberts, presently Assistant Curate in the Mortimers Cross group of parishes, has accepted their offer to become the next Rector of Cradley with Mathon & Storridge. The Bishop will Licence Rev Roberts on the 7 July 2026 at 7 p.m. in Cradley Church. Please pray for Rosie her family and the people of the Mortimers Cross benefice as she prepares to move and take on this new role.
Rosie grew up in Hertfordshire but has been living in Herefordshire since 2015. Her husband is also a priest and they have two boys aged 8 and 11. Rosie has a background in choral singing and working on arts events and projects, and she and her family are really looking forward to becoming part of the community in Cradley, Mathon and Storridge.
The Rectory, Rectory Lane, Cradley, Herefordshire, WR13 5LQ
01886 880438
info@cradleychurch.org.uk
Cradley Church Parochial Church Council (PCC)
Stay connected
... via eNews, website and social media
Stay in touch
Sign up to get our weekly news update emailed directly to you inbox (if you change your mind you can opt out again at any time) - contact a churchwarden for more details - or pick up a copy of the weekly (A4) printed news sheet (known as the pewsheet) in church.
Together
... in faith
Eco Church
Cradley PCC believe that everyone should do more to preserve and enhance the natural environment, treating it with wisdom and moderation. Many people in poorer parts of the world are adversely affected by climate change, mostly caused by industrialised Western nations: this has become a moral issue, and everyone needs to do everything they can to help.
Cradley Church members are exploring ways in which they and the wide community can make small changes to everyday life to contribute to a better and more sustainable environment.
Caring for the God's creation
... safe-guarding the environment