The Stranger in Shrewsbury: or, an historical and descriptive view of Shrewsbury and its environsHowell, Thomas J.
History
The Stranger in Shrewsbury: or, an historical and descriptive view of Shrewsbury and its environs
Howell, Thomas J.
Shrewsbury (England) -- Description and travel
Situate immediately adjoining St. Julian’s, was originally founded by
Elfrida, daughter of Offa, king of Mercia; and like some others in
Shrewsbury, was erected at different periods and in different styles of
architecture in the form of a cross. At the destruction of St. Chad’s
church, the parishioners, alarmed for the safety of their ancient
structure, caused it to be thoroughly examined, and in consequence of
some symptoms of decay exhibited in the roof, they determined on the
demolition of the old church and the erection of a new one on a part of
its site. The present building was accordingly opened for divine worship
in November, 1795, at an expence of about £3000, one half of which might
have been saved by a judicious repair of the original erection, and thus
preserved for ages. The beautiful spire-steeple at the west end, is the
only part which escaped the general devastation. It is 184 feet in
height, and is highly ornamental to the town, especially when seen from
the adjacent country. It contains a musical peal of eight bells.
The plan of the church is an oblong square, 84 feet by 44, with a small
recess for the altar, over which is a handsome painted window, by
Eginton; the subject is emblematical of Faith, kneeling on a cross, with
the eyes elevated and arms extended towards a celestial crown which
appears amidst the opening clouds. “Be faithful unto death, and I will
give thee a crown of life,” is the motto.
Previous to the demolition of the old church, there were a variety of
ancient inscriptions, few of which are now visible. In the church-yard
is a monument to the memory of Alderman William Jones and his wife, the
former of whom died in 1612. It formerly stood in the chantry north of
the chancel; and about sixteen years ago it was munificently repaired by
the late Sir Thomas Tyrwhit Jones, Bart, M.P. the worthy and respected
representative of the family.
The living is in the gift of the crown. Its present incumbent the Rev.
J. Wightman.
St. Giles’s Church,
Of the origin of which no authentic account is known, stands at the
eastern extremity of the Abbey Foregate, and bears marks of considerable
antiquity. By some it has been thought to be the earliest parochial
foundation in Shrewsbury; but others, with more semblance of truth, give
the palm in this respect to the Abbey, to which St. Giles’s is now
attached, merely as a convenience for the performance of funeral
ceremonies; public worship being only celebrated within its walls, twice
every year.
It is a small plain building, consisting of a nave, chancel, and north
aisle, with a small turret for the reception of a bell. Its interior
presents several varieties of architecture, whilst its antique and
worm-eaten benches, its homely pavement, and its almost altogether
unadorned state, combine to give it a simply interesting appearance.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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