Bridgnorth, St Leonard's Church
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Bridgnorth, St Leonard's Church
The tower of St Leonard's parish church can be seen from almost everywhere in Bridgnorth. The original church on the site was likely Saxon, and there was certainly a church founded here around 1190. However, the current building is almost entirely a product of a Victorian restoration in 1862.
St Leonard's is set in an oval of period houses, creating an atmosphere not unlike a cathedral close. During the Civil War, the church was used by Parliamentary soldiers as a store for ammunition. A cannon shot caused the store to explode, starting a devastating fire that swept through the town.
The church - and town - was restored. The major church restoration was executed under the direction of Rev George Bellett, a 19th-century rector whose monument stands within the church he helped to create.
The sheer size and width of the church are breathtaking, of almost cathedral proportions. The interior features extremely fine woodwork, stonework, tiles, and colourful stained glass. Among the numerous monuments is a quartet of fascinating memorials dated between 1692-1707, built of cast iron.
St Leonards is no longer in regular use for worship and is cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust.
Most photos are available for licensing, please contact Britain Express image library.
About Bridgnorth, St Leonard's Church
Address: St Leonards Close,
Bridgnorth,
Shropshire,
England, WV16 4EJ
Attraction Type: Historic Church
Location: In the town centre in St Leonard's Close, off Church Street
Website: Bridgnorth, St Leonard's Church
Churches Conservation Trust
Location
map
OS: SO716933
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
HERITAGE
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.
Historic Time Periods:
Saxon
Victorian
Find other attractions tagged with:
19th century (Time Period) -
Civil War (Architecture) -
Restoration (Historical Reference) -
Saxon (Time Period) -
Victorian (Time Period) -
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