St Chad's Church stands as a testament to centuries of history and architectural evolution. From its Saxon origins to its current form, the church has undergone numerous transformations, reflecting the changing times and the evolving needs of its community.
St Chad's Church in Shrewsbury
The Origins of St Chad's Church
St Chad came to Lichfield in 669 as the first Bishop of Lichfield. He settled in a wood and lived as a hermit in a cell by the side of a spring. From there he was known to preach and baptise his converts in the spring. Saint Chad died 1,350 years ago in 672, and he was buried near his church. The spring and churchyard are said to be the location of Saint Chad’s cell and spring.
St Chad's Church in Shrewsbury is traditionally understood to have been founded in Saxon times. King Offa, who reigned in Mercia from 757 to 796 AD, is believed to have founded the church, though it is possible it has an earlier foundation even than that. The church may have been operating on its initial site from buildings that were part of a royal palace established in the 500s AD, in the Kingdom of Powys, who had their capital at Shrewsbury, when it was known as Pengwern.
The original Saxon church may have been a small building built of stone or wood with a thatched roof and small windows. The monastery church was rebuilt in the 12th century as a stone church with a nave, two side aisles and a chancel. The west door of the church stood where the tower now stands.
Read also: Island Escape: St. Regis
Architectural Evolution
The architectural history is a complex one. The trefoil-headed south door in the porch was built in the early 13th century and is thought to be the earliest part of the present structure. The roof was replaced in the 13th century, the gables were dispensed with and the walls built up to the level of the window heads. The Tower at the west end was built in the 14th century to house the bells. The Irish pilgrim Symon Semeonis visited the church in 1323 on his way to the Holy Land.
The church may have ended in an apse. Thereafter the building seems to have fallen into decline. By the early 19thc. ruinous. arcades bricked up. The transepts were also removed. were received from Samuel Webb and from Richard Trubshaw. were accepted, and his work was completed by 1745.
The building on the previous site was largely destroyed when the central tower collapsed in 1788 after attempts to expand the crypt compromised the structural integrity of the tower above it. What existed of the building when this collapse happened was a largely 13th-century building. Scottish architect George Steuart was commissioned to build a new church.
The Salt Library holds three views of 1837 from the NE, by T. P. (SV.IX.112a, 112b, 113a). Saint Chad’s Church is in the Stowe area immediately north of the centre of Lichfield, streets running S from the market square. is now of three bays, with 12thc. interior wall arcading in these bays on the N and S sides.
The Unique Circular Design
St Chad's Church in Shrewsbury is a standout example of unique ecclesiastical architecture in the UK. Unlike the typical cruciform layout, its nave is perfectly circular, a design choice that creates an exceptionally spacious and light-filled interior. This round shape, complete with galleries running around the perimeter and a soaring domed ceiling, gives the church a distinctive and almost classical feel, blending Edwardian elegance with Georgian grace.
Read also: Saint Géran and Mauritius
The story behind this unusual design is as intriguing as the architecture itself; legend has it that the architect's round plans were misunderstood by the builders, leading to this one-of-a-kind structure. The interior is further enhanced by its beautiful detailing, including polished wood, soft color palettes, and exquisite stained glass windows. The presence of a beautiful organ also contributes to the church's acoustic qualities, making it a popular venue for concerts.
After a site had been chosen in the Quarry, Steuart submitted his working drawings, which also exhibited a round design. When the committee objected, he told them that he had assumed from their silence that they approved of the plan, and that he required to be paid for the work done before he would submit a new set of drawings. The foundation stone was laid on St Chad's day, 2 March 1790. The church was built of white Grinshill stone. The building work was supervised by John Simpson (who later worked on several projects with Thomas Telford, including the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct).
Visitors consistently praise St Chad's Church for its extraordinary and unique circular architecture, creating a light and spacious interior. The blend of historical significance, including Charles Darwin's baptism, and quirky cultural touches like the Ebenezer Scrooge gravestone, makes it a memorable destination.
The sanctuary window is a copy in stained glass of a triptych by Rubens in Antwerp Cathedral; it was made in the 1840s by David Evans, a local stained glass artist.
Interior of St Chad's Church
Read also: Symbolism in Saint Mary's Iconography
Historical and Cultural Connections
St Chad's Church is more than just an architectural gem; it's a site rich with historical and cultural connections. Many of the church’s assets were confiscated at the Reformation. It is said Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) frequently attended Saint Chad’s Church in the 18th century.
It holds the significant distinction of being the place where Charles Darwin, the father of evolutionary theory, was baptized in 1809. This connection places the church firmly on the map for those interested in scientific history. Adding a touch of literary whimsy, the churchyard features a gravestone dedicated to Ebenezer Scrooge. This playful memorial was placed following the filming of 'A Christmas Carol' in Shrewsbury, making it a delightful surprise for fans of Charles Dickens' work.
In 1407, William Thorpe, a priest, came to the town and at St. Chad's church condemned important tenets of the Catholic Church. Thorpe was in consequence thrown into prison. He was later taken to Lambeth Palace, and subsequently complained about by "the bailives and worshipful cominalte". He admitted the charges laid against him. Henry VII visited Shrewsbury in 1490, and observed the feast of St. George in the collegiate church of St. In 1581, Sir Henry Sidney, celebrated the feast of St. George, in Old St Chads on April 23, with great splendour: a solemn procession went from the Council House to St. Chad's Church, the choir of which was fitted up in imitation of St.
Still present in the now-disused churchyard is the headstone prop of Ebenezer Scrooge (played by George C. Scott) that was used in the 1984 film A Christmas Carol for the scene where Scrooge finds his own grave. According to the Shrewsbury Town Crier, Martin Wood, the headstone is not a "prop" but an actual period headstone, on which the original inscription had deteriorated to the point that the production asked the church if they could use it and inscribe the "Ebenezer Scrooge" words on it. Some of the original inscription can still be seen on the bottom part of the stone.
The west window was restored in 1875 and central heating was installed. The east end of the south aisle was formed into a Lady Chapel in 1952 as a memorial to the dead of World War II. The old crumbling buttresses were replaced in 1956 at the south-west corner of the tower and the chancel was restored. This involved new stone for the walls, cills and mullions of the windows. The east window was removed, re-leaded, cleaned and replaced. The tower timbers were replaced in 1957, a new floor was installed in the belfry in 1982 and finally, in 1996, the font was moved to the Lady Chapel.
Further restoration work took place on the windows and the stained glass in the chancel. The windows in the chancel illustrate the changing styles of church architecture. The east window is a fine example of the decorated or geometrical style constructed about 1300. The window at the east end of the south aisle was made by William Wailes of Newcastle in memory of Anne Wright Gresley. Two windows in the Lady Chapel by Christopher Whall date from 1905. They are in memory of Thomas and Mary Haywood and illustrate the teachings of Jesus. The window at the west end of the south aisle shows Christ blessing the children. Two memorial windows are attributed to Morris and Co date from 1922. One depicts Saint George and Saint Alban and commemorates members of the parish who died in World War I. The second depicts Saint Elizabeth of Hungary and Saint Christopher. The north aisle window depicts Christ among the Elders in the Temple.
There is a monument to Catherine Allden (1615-1695) and her husband Zachary Babington (1611-1685) of Whittington and Curborough, who were married in Saint Chad’s when she was 20 in 1636. Canon Zachary Babington was Prebendary of Curborough (1584), Master of Saint John’s Hospital, Lichfield (1587), and Precentor of Lichfield and Prebendary of Bishop’s Itchington (1589), two positions held earlier, in 1555-1559, by his aunt’s brother-in-law, Canon Henry Comberford (1499-1586). This Zachary Babingnton, who died in 1688, was the grandfather of Zachary Babington (1690-1745) of Curborough Hall and Whittington Old Hall, was a barrister and High Sheriff of Staffordshire in 1713 and 1724. The altar and the chest in the Lady Chapel date from 1658 and 1669. The Perpendicular style Baptismal font dates from about 1450. The Deacon Memorial screen was built across the tower arch in 1949. It is in the form of a parclose screen, intended to portray the life of Alderman JR Deacon JP with the themes of ‘work , worship and citizenship’.
St Chad's Well
Saint Chad’s Well, where we gathered last week at the beginning of Lichfield Peace Walk, is in the churchyard, to the north-west of the church. It was built over a spring where Saint Chad is said to have prayed, baptised people, and healed peoples’ ailments.
Music at St Chad's
Music is a strong tradition at St Chad's. The church has a robed choir which leads the music at many of the services.
Visiting St Chad's Church
St Chad's Church is centrally located in Shrewsbury, making it easily accessible on foot from the town center. If driving, there is limited free parking available nearby, though it can fill up quickly. Entry to St Chad's Church is generally free, as it is a place of worship. Donations are always welcome to help with its upkeep. While services are held regularly, specific visitor hours can vary.
Visitors of all beliefs are made to feel welcome, making it an inclusive experience. Visitors often describe the interior as beautiful, elegant, and filled with a soft light. The scent of flowers, like lilies, has also been noted, contributing to a peaceful ambiance.
Tips for Different Travelers
- Families with Kids: St Chad's Church offers a unique and engaging experience for families. The striking circular design is sure to capture children's attention, making it more than just another church visit.
- History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts: For those fascinated by history and architecture, St Chad's Church is a must-visit. Its 18th-century circular design is a rare and remarkable feat of engineering and aesthetics, offering a stark contrast to more traditional church layouts.
Photography Tips
- Generally, photography for personal use is permitted inside St Chad's Church, but it's always best to be respectful of ongoing services or events. Avoid flash photography.
- The circular nave offers unique perspectives. The exterior architecture and the churchyard, especially near the Scrooge gravestone, also make for interesting shots.
Popular articles:
tags: #Chad
