St Mary the Virgin

SY4 4NH Parking by village hall opposite. Wheelchair access, WC, open 9am-4pm

The name Shawbury means ‘settlement by a small wood’.  The church and priest are mentioned in the Domesday  Book of 1088, but building styles of almost every subsequent age may be seen in the building. The north and south doorways are Norman, as are the vaults in the nave ceiling. The chancel dates from the 13th century and has two lancet windows and a pointed arch. The north aisle and the tower date from the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The tower has been described as ‘one of the best in Shropshire’ and is a landmark.

There is a fine Norman font and and a Jacobean pulpit. In one of the south windows in the chancel are some fragments of 15th century stained glass.

A carved reredos behind the altar (1881) along with other carvings are also of special interest.  In the last 10 years a stained glass window, bellringing platform, kitchen and toilet have been added.The graves of several air force personnel from RAF Shawbury are in the churchyard. The main weather station for Shropshire is located in the village.

 

 

 

 

The superb Norman font. 

(Chris Stafford)

 

 

 

Interior

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Window after Holman Hunt. 

Chris Stafford

 

More at:-

https://www.facebook.com/groups/shawburychurch/