St Mary Magdalene, Quatford
WV15 6QJ W via lift (church person needs to attend) Disabled T
Open : Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun 10.00- 4.00 early April until mid October or by prior arrangement.
Tel (01746) 766126, 766146, or 07773 608 556
St Mary Magdalene's church was built in 1086 (on the promise of love between Lady Adeliza arriving from France to meet her betrothed the Earl of Shrewsbury, whose hunting grounds surrounded Quatford, and was the site of the first Bridgnorth parish church (until it was replaced by the building of St Mary’s church in Bridgnorth itself). It has recently been well and carefully restored
Nearly 40 steps lead up to the church from the lane and parking area. An electrically powered lift was installed in 2005 to enable the disabled (or tired!) easier access. However, this is only used with the supervision of a church person.
The lower part of the font is Norman with geometrical carving, but the upper part was apparently carved later with quatrefoils.
The older part of the church was built of tufa, a porous limestone, very hard. The chancel arch is of this material, which is highly unusual.
Subsequent additions and alterations were done in the local sandstone. In the picture below, taken from the north side of the east wall, blocks of tufa can be seen, and a 'squint' has been created, perhaps to allow lepers to access the services from outside. Below, traces of a wall painting may be seen, and at floor level, medieval tiles.
The left hand panel of the window shows Lady Adeliza de Puiset, who became the second wife of Roger de Montgomery, who was perhaps the most faithful supporter of William the Conqueror. Roger had a house at Quatford, and he and Adeliza together founded Shrewsbury Abbey. Earl Roger is also said to have founded the church at Quatford in thanks for Adeliza's survival of a shipwreck on her journey from France. He also built castles at Quatford and Shrewsbury, and is said to have restored the abbey of St Milburga at Much Wenlock.
During the summer sheep graze the churchyard, which is open for burials.
A beautiful church to get married in.
Look out for the "Church" sign on the Kidderminster road in Quatford (A442) WV15 6QJ. We are next to The Danery pub. Read more about our church community on our website.
Keyholders: Tel (01746) 766126, 766146, 767187