HCT 2025 Norman and Saxon Shropshire

Explore the Saxon and Norman heritage along the Severn Valley in this tour of Shropshire churches.

St James’ Church, Stirchley. A Grade 1 listed, 12th century early Norman church with an ornate Norman arch to the chancel made of local sandstone. The nave and tower are 18th century brick additions featuring high box pews.

St Giles’s Church, Barrow. This Grade 1 listed church is the only surviving Saxon chancel in Shropshire. Founded on the estates of one of England’s earliest monasteries, Wenlock Abbey (later Priory). The 8th Century inhabitants of the Abbey who used the building as a small stone oratory, or ‘cell’, for solitary prayer. Over 1200 years of history is packed into the fabric and atmosphere of our church.

St Leonard’s Church, Linley. This Grade 1, early Norman church is made of local stone, has a late Twelfth Century tower and decorative font and Romanesque carvings. The Tympanum over the blocked North door features an mysterious Greenman.

St Leonard’s; in Bridgnorth. This Grade 2* listed church is cathedral like and seemingly Medieval, is in fact almost entirely a Victorian restoration. The 12th century church was destroyed by fire during the Civil War from 1662 - 1878. Charles I is said to have described the view over Bridgnorth as 'The finest view in all my Kingdom.'

St Mary Magdelene, Bridgnorth. Grade 2*. The Church of St Mary Magdalene was built on the site of the original church in 1792 and was designed by Thomas Telford and consecrated in 1796. The church is unusual insofar as it is oriented north south.

Travel: Depart Telford Central train station at 10:00, returning by 17:00.