St Mary's Church, Cleobury Mortimer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary's Church, Cleobury Mortimer |
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| Church of St Mary the Virgin | |
St Mary's Church, Cleobury Mortimer, from the south
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| OS grid reference | SO 674 758 |
| Location | Church Street, Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Website | St Mary, Cleobury Mortimer |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Designated | 12 November 1954 |
| Architect(s) | Thomas Telford (repairs), George Gilbert Scott (restoration) |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Norman, Gothic |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Sandstone, tiled roof, shingled spire |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Cleobury Mortimer |
| Deanery | Ludlow |
| Archdeaconry | Ludlow |
| Diocese | Hereford |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Mary's Church is a historic church located in Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire, England. It is an active Anglican parish church, meaning it serves the local community. The church is famous for its unique shingled twisted spire, which makes it stand out. It is also a "Grade I listed building," which means it's considered very important and protected for its history and special design.
Contents
Church History: A Look Back in Time
People believe there was a church here even before the current one, possibly a Saxon church. This is because a priest was mentioned in Cleobury Mortimer in the Domesday Book, a very old survey from 1086.
The oldest part of the church we see today is the tower, built in the 12th century (the 1100s). The spire, which is the tall, pointed top, was added about a century later. The main parts of the church, like the nave (where people sit) and the chancel (near the altar), were built in the 13th century (the 1200s). Other sections, such as the aisles and the porch, were added later in that same century.
In 1794, the famous engineer Thomas Telford helped fix the church's south wall, which was leaning. Later, in 1874–75, the church had a big makeover by architect George Gilbert Scott. During this time, many windows were replaced, and old plaster was removed, showing the wooden roof and even some medieval paintings. The old box pews (like enclosed seating areas) and galleries were also taken out. In 1994, the unique twisted spire was repaired and made more secure.
Church Design: What It Looks Like
Outside the Church
St Mary's Church is built from light brown sandstone. The roof is covered with tiles, and its special spire is covered with wooden shingles. The church has a main area called the nave with five sections and windows high up (a clerestory). It also has side aisles, a chapel, a porch, a chancel, and a tower at the west end.
The tower has four levels. The bottom two levels are from the 12th century, and the top two are from the 13th century. There are tall, narrow windows called lancet windows on three sides. On the south side, you can also see a clock. At the very top of the tower is the shingled broach spire, which has its "distinctive twist." The main windows at the east and west ends of the church are also interesting. Inside the porch, there are seats and a small basin called a stoup, which once held holy water.
Inside the Church
When you step inside, you'll see the tower arch, which is round at the top. It was originally built in the Norman style. The arch leading to the chancel is pointed, and its tops of columns (called capitals) are carved with leaves and human faces. The rows of arches (called arcades) are supported by round pillars.
In the north wall of the chancel, there's a small opening called a hagioscope, which allowed people to see the altar from another part of the church. The north chapel has a fancy piscina, which is a basin used for washing sacred vessels during services. The roofs of the nave and chancel are in the Perpendicular style, which means they have strong vertical lines.
The east window has beautiful stained glass from 1875, showing "The Vision of Piers Plowman." Another window in the south wall of the chancel, from 1844, shows the Good Shepherd. In the south aisle, there's a window from 1888 depicting Saints Paul and Timothy.
The north chapel also holds memorials from the 18th century. There's a wooden war memorial for the parish, listing the names of men who died in World War I and World War II. You can also find brass tablets remembering soldiers who died in World War I and the Boer War.
The church has a pipe organ with two keyboards, built in 1884. It has been rebuilt and improved over the years. There are also six bells in the tower. Five of these bells were made in 1757, and the sixth was added in 1925.
Outside the Church Grounds
The wall to the southwest of the churchyard is also a protected structure. It has an old stone panel from the 12th or 13th century built into it. In the churchyard, there's an old cross that has been turned into a sundial. Its medieval base supports a 19th-century top. This sundial is also a protected historical item. On the south side of the churchyard, overlooking the main street, is the parish war memorial. It's a rough-cut Celtic cross with a "sword of sacrifice" carved into it, also a protected structure.
See also
- Grade I listed churches in Shropshire
- Listed buildings in Cleobury Mortimer
