A tale of many churches in Shrewsbury ...

Our county town of Shrewsbury has many churches,  the skyline is dotted with spires & they are all unique & have long history.  Our county town always has something interesting to see or do & somehow today, it seemed as if it was the many churches that drew us in to explore. 

A programme this past week by Michael Portillo about various rail journeys took him to Shrewsbury & he visited the Gothic Shrewsbury Cathedral. I have passed it often on the walk along the old Town Walls but never called in. With the passing of Pope Francis, my friend & I thought we might call in. 

The view out of the main entrance with the details is so beautiful, almost reminiscent of Indian architecture. 

Tributes to Pope Francis who passed away this week.

The Cathedral from several view along Town Walls.

The Cathedral was initiated by John Talbot, the 16th Earl of Shrewsbury & designed by the famous architect Augustus Welby Pugin (1812-1852) 

Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin^[a] (/ˈpjuːdʒɪn/ PEW-jin; 1 March 1812 – 14 September 1852) was an English architect, designer, artist and critic with French and Swiss origins. He is principally remembered for his pioneering role in the Gothic Revival style of architecture. His work culminated in designing the interior of the Palace of Westminster in Westminster, London, and its renowned clock tower, the Elizabeth Tower (formerly St. Stephen's Tower), which houses the bell known as Big Ben.

However, both the Earl & the architect died in 1852 before completion so the task fell to their respective sons, the 20 year old  Bertram, Earl of Shrewsbury & the 18 year old Edward Pugin to finish off their fathers project. Bertram passed away at the age of 23, shortly before the completion of the Cathedral & it finally opened its doors in October 1856.

The Cathedral had a really peaceful atmosphere in side, very tranquil. 

From there we carried on along Town Walls, the ancient fortification of the town,  & the old St Chads with its raised position & churchyard was our next stop. The church is no longer in use, though I went in a few years back when it was open & it is very simple but peaceful. 

The headstone of Capt John Benbow & his demise at the hands of the Parliamentarians.  The interesting history is in this link  

Over the years Benbow’s gravestone in Old St Chad’s churchyard became very decayed, but in 1829 a supporter renovated it at his own expense. [footnote 8] The stone is still there beside the path

From the raised position you can see two other spires - that of St Mary's & St Alkmund's. 

St Mary's has the second highest spire in the whole of England, after Salisbury Cathedral (some sources put it at third) which is impressive for this quiet county town. 

On the way back across the English Bridge & across the Severn River which loops around the town, we decided to call in at Shrewsbury Abbey. We often run out of time on the way back to our car so it was fortuitous to be able to visit it today. 

Some of the many grave stones in the Abbey floor, the history is fascinating. 

I have not been to the Abbey in some years even though I park close to it. It contains 1000 years of history, parts of it date back to 1083 when it was founded as a Benedictine monastery by Roger de Montgomery.  He received Shropshire from William the Conqueror in 1071.

It is impressive as an Abbey should be with a beautiful altar & Ladies chapel. 

We took a moment to light a candle & offer up a prayer in this quiet setting. The tombs on the side & the stones inset in the floor remind one of the history of these ancient spaces. 

We had no intention to go history hunting today, somehow spiritual guidance invited us in to some of the many churches & their fascinating history. I hope you have enjoyed visiting these special places with me, do leave a comment to say you have been. 

Dee ⛪️🔔🙏🕯️