St Peter's Church, Chelmarsh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Peter's Church, Chelmarsh |
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St Peter's Church, Chelmarsh, from the south
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| OS grid reference | SO 721 879 |
| Location | Chelmarsh, Shropshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Website | St Peter, Chelmarsh |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Designated | 9 March 1970 |
| Architect(s) | J. Farmer (porch) |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Norman, Gothic, Neoclassical |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Stone and brick |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Chelmarsh |
| Deanery | Bridgnorth |
| Archdeaconry | Ludlow |
| Diocese | Hereford |
| Province | Canterbury |
St Peter's Church is located in the small village of Chelmarsh in Shropshire, England. It is an active Anglican church, meaning it belongs to the Church of England. This church is an important part of the local community. It is also a parish church, serving the people of Chelmarsh.
St Peter's Church is highly valued for its history and architecture. It is listed as a Grade I building by the National Heritage List for England. This means it is considered a building of exceptional interest.
Contents
History of St Peter's Church
The main part of St Peter's Church was built in the 14th century. It replaced an older church that stood in the same spot. This new church was likely finished around 1345. At that time, a special chapel was added by Hugh de Mortimer.
The lower section of the church's west tower also dates from the 14th century. The upper part of the tower was added much later, around 1720. In 1887, a new south porch was built by J. Farmer from Newport.
Exploring the Church's Design
Building Materials and Styles
The main body of St Peter's Church is made of stone. Its design follows the Decorated Gothic style. This style is known for its detailed decorations.
You can still see a piece of the older church inside. A Norman doorway, from an even earlier building, is now part of the north wall. The upper sections of the tower are made of brick with stone details. These parts show a Neoclassical style, which was popular in the 18th century.
Key Features of the Tower
The tower has a doorway on its west side. Above this doorway is a window with three sections. The tower also has strong diagonal supports called buttresses. These help to hold the building up. You can see alternating stone blocks, known as quoins, at the corners.
Near the top of the tower are paired, round-headed openings for the bells. The very top of the tower has a decorative railing called a balustrade.
Windows and Interior Details
On the south side of the church, there is a porch and a special doorway for the priest. There are also three tall windows, each with two sections. The large east window has five sections.
Inside the church, there is a series of arches called an arcade. This arcade has four sections, supported by eight-sided pillars called piers.
Stained Glass and Memorials
The stained glass in the east window was made in 1892. It was designed by Kempe. This beautiful window shows the Crucifixion. In the south window of the chancel (the area around the altar), there is more stained glass. It was made around 1888 by Burlison and Grylls. This window illustrates the Parable of the Sower.
Inside the chancel, you can find part of an old tomb. It is made in the Perpendicular style. The church also has memorials for local people who died in the World Wars. These include marble plaques and photos of each person. An embroidered badge of the King's Shropshire Light Infantry also hangs nearby.
Musical Instruments and Bells
The church has a pipe organ with two manuals (keyboards). It was built by Nicholson and Son from Gloucester. St Peter's Church also has a ring of six bells. All these bells were made in 1720 by Abraham Rudhall II in Gloucester.
Churchyard Features
The churchyard is the area around the church. It contains a war grave for an airman who died during World War II.
See also
- Grade I listed churches in Shropshire
- Listed buildings in Chelmarsh
