St Leonard
Birdingbury, Warwickshire
With its pale walls and red tiled roof, its Tuscan west front and its charming little cupola, this tiny parish church could almost have been transplanted from some Greek or Italian village.
St Esprit is a grade ll* listed church that was substantially rebuild in the 1890s. The old church was not entirely demolished. The original lower stage of the tower, with its 14th and 15th century extensions, together with the 13th century south arcade and doorway, were incorporated into the new building, which is of Gothic Revival style. The architect was George Punshon, of Leamington Spa.
The dedication of the church to Saint Esprit, the French title for the Holy Spirit, is particularly interesting, and is believed to be unique in England. It seems probable that the church was dedicated to Saint Esprit following its rebuilding in the thirteenth century, although no evidence has been found to confirm this. However, the church was gifted to the Nuns of Nuneaton by the Earl of Warwick shortly after Robert Beaumont, Earl of Leicester had granted his manor of Eaton, in 1155, to the French Abbey of Fontevraud.
One of the more unusual features is the wall mounted zinc plates that are around the church.
In recent times a toilet and mini kitchen have been installed which has enabled the church to be used by the local community more flexibly.
