Shropshire's historic churches are celebrated in guide
From the Gothic revivalist splendour of Shrewsbury Cathedral to the simpler charms of Charles Darwin's old Unitarian church, the stunning variety of Shropshire's historic churches is the focus of a new tourism guide.
A total of 92 churches across the county feature in the new booklet produced by Shropshire Church Tourism Group.
As well as the celebrated places of worship such as St Laurence's in Ludlow, which attracts thousands of visitors every year, the 24-page guide also features some lesser known gems, including the 12th century St Michael's in Munslow, near Craven Arms, which is features stunning stained glass.
Shrewsbury Abbey, which was the backdrop to the popular medieval murder mystery series Cadfael, and St Peter's RC Church in Ludlow also feature.
The Greek Orthodox Church dedicated to the Holy Fathers of Nicea, to the south of Shrewsbury, also features in the book. The building, which dates back into medieval times, fell into a state of disrepair after closing in the 19th century, but was restored when the Orthodox Church took it on in 1994.
Chairman of Shrewsbury Church Tourism Group, Christine Tinker, said: “Shropshire’s landscape is littered with amazing buildings, some of them a thousand years old, and our countryside would be very different if it wasn’t dotted with towers and spires.
“It’s not simply that our churches are old, they provide a vital element of our history not just because of the buildings but of the stories they contain.”
Mrs Tinker said she was delighted that this year's guide included Shrewsbury Unitarian Chapel, which had a fascinating history.
“We are really proud that our latest new member, is one of the oldest Unitarian Churches in England, founded in 1662 and still to be found in High Street in Shrewsbury,” said Christine. “The poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge was Minister here in 1798 and Charles Darwin attended until he was 8 years old. His wife and children were regular members of the church. What an amazing place and right at the heart of our county town.”
St George's Church in Pontesbury, is praised for its impressive tower, Norman font, and Jacobean panelling, while St Peter's in Edgmond, near Newport, is a sandstone church dating back to 1080, and featuring a Saxon font.
All Saints' Church in Claverley, famous for its spectacular 13th century wall paintings, is also included.
Holy Trinity Church in Coalbrookdale, known as the Jewel of the Dale, is one of the newer churches featured in the guide, dating back to 1851.
It was endowed by Abraham Darby IV, and the guide singles out its superbly decorated chancel ceiling and fine stained glass windows for special mention. The guide also refers to its historic stone carvings, individually carved wooden pew ends with cast iron gates, and its monument to cross-channel swimmer Captain Matthew Webb.
Shrewsbury's Catholic cathedral, designed by celebrated Gothic revivalist Edward Pugin, gets special mention for its seven stained glass windows by world-renowned artist Margaret Rope.
