I. W. COMPOSITA SOLVANTUR. Opposite the south door is the socket of an ancient stone cross, the upper portion of which supports a font in the Abbey church. From hence likewise is an extensive view of the town, with the different churches displayed to much picturesque advantage, the vale below being watered by the meanderings of the Rea brook; while the more distant prospect, chequered with mountains and woody knolls, verdant pastures and rural habitations, presents a striking picture of “Life’s fair landscape, mark’d with light and shade.” SAINT MICHAEL’S CHURCH [Picture: St. Michael’s Church, Castle-foregate] Stands on a pleasant site in the populous suburb of Castle Foregate. The western side commands an interesting view of the town. The venerable Castle with its towers and hoary walls, the Royal Free Grammar School, and the lofty spires of St. Mary’s and St. Alkmund’s churches, combine to form a most pleasing group; whilst the fine church of Saint Chad, backed by distant mountains, stands prominent in the front. On the northern side of the building is a picturesque dell, along which the majestic Severn formerly poured its crystal stream. The church is a respectable building in the Doric style, composed of brick. It was erected by subscription, and consecrated for divine worship August 24th, 1830. In plan, it consists of a tower, nave, side aisles, and an elliptical recess for the communion, with a vestry in the base of the tower. The tower is of three divisions, and rises to the height of 70 feet; the basement is square, on which rests an octagonal belfry, crowned by a similar division of smaller dimensions, having a cornice charged with lions’ heads, the whole being surmounted by an angular lead roof and a gilded cross. The body of the church is in length 70 ft. 6 in. and in breadth 40 ft. 6 in. and has a stone plinth, cornice, and parapet. The windows throughout are circular-headed, having unbroken stone dressings surrounding them. THE INTERIOR is approached by two entrances, north and south, beneath a stone cornice sustained on pilasters; and, if not splendid in decoration, it has that solemnity which becometh the House of God: it possesses, however, one great advantage, in being capable of comfortably accommodating a congregation of 800 persons, 620 of whom may possess free sittings. On the floor are thirty-six pews, the other part being entirely free. There are galleries over the north and south aisles, and at the western end, the whole of which are free sittings. These galleries are sustained on cast-iron columns, which are also continued for the support of the roof. The ceiling has a good effect, being panelled in large square compartments, and beautifully painted in imitation of oak. The pulpit and reading desk are octagonal, and are placed on opposite sides of the church.