St Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury

The church dates from Saxon times and has beautiful additions from the 12th century onwards. According to tradition it was founded by King Edgar in the 10th century.

The spire of St Mary’s is one of the tallest in England and for over 500 years it has dominated the skyline of Shrewsbury’s old town. The church is now the only complete medieval church in Shrewsbury.

Inside, the atmosphere is peaceful with the soaring stone arches giving way to the church’s great treasure – its stained glass. There are panels in glorious colour including the famous 14th-century ‘Jesse window’ filled with figures of Old Testament kings and prophets, and scenes from the life of St Bernard – a Medieval cartoon strip that shows him ridding flies from an abbey, riding a mule and curing the sick. No other church in the country has a collection to equal it. Warmth and richness is also provided by superb Victorian-coloured tiles on the floor, and lifting your eyes upwards you will see the wonderful 15th-century carved oak ceiling of the nave.

Building of the present church began in the 12th century, consisting of a nave without aisles, and a cruciform east end. A large west tower was added, and in about the 1170s the transepts were altered to provide altars for the canons. Construction of the aisles followed, first the south aisle with a porch. Work on the north aisle continued until the 1220s. In the early to mid 13th century the transepts were raised, and the chancel was lengthened and raised. During the 14th century the Trinity Chapel was added to the south of the chancel.

The beauty and variety of this church and its contents are incredible; from an ancient font and medieval stone carvings to interesting monuments and its famous stained glass windows.