ST ANDREW
SY6 7DD open daylight hours. Parking at Hope Bowdler village hall.
St Andrew's is situated in the heart of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is a Grade 2 Listed Building. It is part of a four-church Benefice together with churches in Cardington, Rushbury and Eaton.
This is a living church, which has met the spiritual needs of its community.
The original C12th parish church was rebuilt in 1862, having fallen into complete disrepair, using material from the original building and a nearby quarry. The new church is Grade II* listed and is notable for its fine stained glass windows dedicated to past Rectors and local families.
It has the only lychgate with a coffin stone in Shropshire, as well as one of the oldest gravestones in the county - look at the end of the very unusual yew avenue.
There are numerous ancient gravestones in the churchyard. One, dated 1759, records the sad demise of Edward Knott:
"In the quarry where this stone was got.
Edward mischanced to fall, it was his lot.
Time for preparation it was small.
God will have mercy on us all.
That was all that could be said.
When in one minute he was well and dead."
Notable flower species to be enjoyed include ox-eye daisy, sorrel, yarrow, veronica species, yellow cat's-ear and greater celandine.
For more information visit the website https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/10563/
and Parish Council website: https://www.eatonhopebowdler.co.uk/
Info from the 'Bats in Churches' website.
Hope Bowdler Garden Trail
Hope Bowdler, Church Stretton Sunday 13 July 2025
Hope Bowdler has lots to offer from historic gardens to the present day with different sizes, maturity and water features.
Cakes and tea in the village hall. Plant sale. All payments in cash
Directions: SY6 7DD: from A49 at Church Stretton take A4371 to Hope Bowdler. In the village turn off towards Soudley to find car parks and entry at the village hall.