Breedon Hill dominates the village and is a major local landmark. The Parish church of St Mary and St Hardulph stands on the summit of the hill.
A Minster was founded on the hill in 676 by Frederic, a local Saxon nobleman. Tatwin, Abbott of Breedon, became Archbishop of Canterbury in 731 and the Monastery is believed to have been attacked by the Danes in 873. Robert de Ferrers founded an Augustinian priory here in the 12th Century and when this was dissolved by Henry the VIII, the Shirley family of Staunton Harold retained the tower and chancel of the Priory Church as the Parish Church.
In addition to these Norman and 13th century features, some Saxon work still survives. The most memorable of all is a beautiful figure of an angel with flowers at its feet, robes and a rounded face. These pieces were removed from the interior of the church in 1937 to secure their preservation. A reproduction of the angel is available to view within the Church. The Church also contains monuments to members of the Shirley family and the Jacobean canopied Shirley Pew with elaborately carved Ferrers Arms dating from 1627.
A 1914-18 War Memorial in the Italian style stands on the village green. An old lock-up that was used for detaining local drunks or lost cattle, has been restored and is one of 3 in the district. The hamlets of Wilson and Tonge are close by and offer beautiful village settings.
Breedon Priory Garden Centre & Shopping Complex is situated next to the village green www.breedon-priory.co.uk
Breedon has two public Houses the Holly Bush Inn and Three Horseshoes both serving delicious meals.
Learn how to become a chocolatier at Bittersweet Chocolates (rear of Three Horseshoes Pub)
Attractions Nearby
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