St Leonard's Church, Linley, Shropshire
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The church in the Lime Wood
This secluded medieval delight is a near-complete twelfth-century church.
Located in Linley, meaning Lime Wood, it is built entirely from local rubble stone except for the dressing stones and a tiled roof. The Norman church, complete with late twelfth-century tower, was built as a chapel for the beautiful medieval town of Much Wenlock. The south doorway was possibly relocated when the tower was built, and the ancient studded door has strap hinges. The north doorway is blocked but its weathered tympanum features a mysterious green man.
The interior contains more Romanesque carving as illustrated by the round tub font. The decoration consists of carved cable-moulding around the rim, and medallions which, on the north side, emerge from the mouths of demonic masks. Some restoration in the nineteenth century led to tiled floors throughout, with encaustic tiles in the sanctuary by Maw & Co. In 1858 Sir Arthur Blomfield paid for the enlargement of the nave windows, the rebuilding of the east wall with a new window, the installation of new benches, and pews and choir stalls with shaped ends and open backs. The chancel has a panelled dado made in 1858 from former pews.
A particularly charming addition is the altar triptych of a cross and angels painted on board, by Harry Burrows circa 1870.
A contribution can be made towards the conservation at the church by texting LIN to 70970 to donate £5, or 70191 to donate £10. Thank you for your support
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St Leonard's Church, Bridgnorth, Shropshire
3.68 miles
A vast church with an explosive history
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St Michael's Church, Upton Cressett, Shropshire
4.18 miles
A picturebook country church
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St James' Church, Stirchley, Shropshire
5.15 miles
In a quiet backwater close to Telford
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Access information
Access to the church off the B4373. Access to the church is via a sloping grass path through the churchyard from an unmetalled track.
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Disabled access information
Steps up to main door. Step to altar
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Facilities & Hire
Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a small number have heating, running water or toilet facilities. The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor.
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Directions
Located 2½ miles SW by S of Broseley, and 4 NW by N of Bridgnorth. The church is situated off the B4373 Bridgnorth Road along a rough track.
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Transport
The nearest train stations to Linley are Church Stretton (6.60 miles), Craven Arms (7.90 miles) and Telford (9.54miles). Arriva Buses departing from Telford and Bridgnorth (99 99a) stop at Linley Brook. The church is approximately 30 mins walk from the stop For service information call Arriva buses 0844 800 44 11
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History & Further Information
Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church before you visit? You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church.
Shropshire County Guide 2012This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches we care for in Shropshire. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.
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Community information
Community information for St. Leonard's Church, Linley, Shropshire
All our Shropshire churches are in our North region.
- Shropshire Tourist Information
- Shropshire Tourism website
- Secret Shropshire website
- Shropshire Family History Society
- Family Days Out in Shropshire
- Shropshire Days Out website
- Shropshire History website
- Shropshire Historic Churches Trust
- Shropshire County Council Discover Shropshire website
- Shropshire Archaeological & History Society
- Ironbridge Gorge Museum
- Visit Ironbridge
- Ironbridge Gorge Guide
- Shropshire is in the Diocese of Hereford and the Diocese of Lichfield
- List of churches in Shropshire