We strolled from the Recreation Ground down to Lapworth along the canal.

We then turned off the canal and arrived at Lapworth Church, bells aringing calling the faithful to prayer. Spotted an unusual carving by the window that I’d not noticed before.

We crossed several fields then popped out on the road to avoid an overgrown section of walk and passed nearby Nuthurst Grange. We eventually arrived at The Obelisk, which is easily spotted on the left when driving south on the M40. This was built by a former owner of the Umberslade Estate (before the days of the Muntz family). Nobody seems to have a record of exactly why it was built, but in the past, there was a newspaper article pinned to a nearby gatepost which suggested it was to celebrate the former resident being promoted to the House of Lords.

We then arrived, via a very swampy field, at Umberslade Baptist Church. This was built by one of the many George Fredrick Muntz’s after he fell out with the local vicar. Unusually built in the classic Anglican style of the era, which makes it the reason why, although disused, it has been preserved. You can visit it, and climb the tower, though with the trees growing up, the view isn’t as good as it was. Alongside it is the original wooden chapel which we couldn’t see as it is being restored – I found this a little odd because last time I passed it was being used as a shed for the local farmer’s farm equipment. I’ve popped in a photo. You do see the occasional chapel around like this, but they are rare and this one has done well to survive being latterly used as the Sunday School for the church. We passed the more practical replacement as we left the long drive and returned to Hockley Heath, passing GFM’s rival Anglican Church on the way.

You can read more at https://historicchapelstrust.org/umberslade-baptist-church/