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- Battlefield, Shropshire (Church of St Mary Magdelene)
This large, dignified church stands in open countryside on the site of the ferocious Battle of Shrewsbury, which took place in 1403.
Thousands of soldiers are thought to have died in the fray, and the church remains a quiet, some would say melancholic, memorial to the 1,600 people who were said to have been buried there.
A statue of Henry IV, who defeated Henry "Hotspur" Percy in the battle, stands on the outside east wall. On the roof beams inside are representations of the shields of the knights who fought with Henry IV. A service is still held each year in July to commemorate the anniversary of the battle.
Much of the church we see today is the result of an extensive restoration in the 1860s, by a distinguished local architect S Pountney Smith, who saved the church from ruin. Though he kept the original shape, tower and walls, the magnificent hammerbeam roof, the reredos, and all the fittings and furniture were installed by him. He was also responsible for installing the fine stained glass typical of the 1860s.
Especially memorable is the east window with its wonderful palette of colours. One particular treasure is the Piet, carved in oak, showing the Virgin Mary holding Christ’s body. It is a remarkable and moving piece dating from the 15th-century and thought to have been brought here from another church.
To locate this church on a map, click on the 'View on map' link that appears below the address information at the top of the page.
3 miles north east of Shrewsbury. Access off A49 Battlefield roundabout adjoining A5124 Battlefield Link Road. Brown 'Battlefield church' tourism sign on roundabout opposite livestock market.
Nearest railway station: Shrewsbury (3 miles). Bus routes no 511 via Wem to Whitchurch, and 64 via Shawbury to Market Drayton - a walk of approx 1 mile from the church.
SJ 512 173
01/05/12
Following on from the success of our Discover Wallpaintings project last year we are delighted to announce the launch of…
St Martin's Church, Preston Gubbals, Shropshire
A survivor of re-modelling
Church of St Mary the Virgin, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
An ancient church with world famous stained glass. A church…
Haughmond Abbey
Extensive remains of Augustinian abbey, including abbots' quarters, refectory & cloister. Chapter house frontage with 12th & 14th century carving & statuary, timber roof c.1500. Displays, picnic area.
Attingham Park
National Trust property
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Click on images to view larger
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church and the CCT before you visit?
You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church.
Shropshire & Staffordshire County Guide (PDF, 4.75mb)
This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches CCT cares for in Shropshire & Staffordshire. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.
St Martin's Church, Preston Gubbals, Shropshire
A survivor of re-modelling
Preston Gubbals, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 3AN
See church page
Church of St Mary the Virgin, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
An ancient church with world famous stained glass. A church from our finest shortlist.
St Mary's Street, Dogpole, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1EF
See church page
St Andrew's Church, Wroxeter, Shropshire
A Saxon church built on the Roman site of Viroconium
Wroxeter, Wroxeter, Shropshire, SY5 6PH
See church page
Haughmond Abbey Extensive remains of Augustinian abbey, including abbots' quarters, refectory & cloister. Chapter house frontage with 12th & 14th century carving & statuary, timber roof c.1500. Displays, picnic area. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/haughmond-abbey
Buildwas Abbey The impressive ruins of this Cistercian abbey have an idyllic setting near the River Severn. Unaltered 12th century church, beautiful vaulted and tile-floored chapter house and re-opened crypt chapel. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/buildwas-abbey
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
All our Shropshire churches are in CCT’s North region.
Contact name: Mr David Hulton-Harrop
Contact telephone: 01743 357006
Shropshire Tourist Information
Shropshire Family History Society
Shropshire Historic Churches Trust
Shropshire County Council Discover Shropshire website
Shropshire Archaeological & History Society
Shropshire is in the Diocese of Hereford and the Diocese of Lichfield
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
If the access information for this church is listed as 'Keyholder nearby', this means that the key is kept by one of our invaluable volunteer 'keyholders', who usually live just a short walk from the church and can give visitors the key; sometimes this is a nearby hotel, pub, library, art gallery or other venue. You will find instructions explaining how to get the key when you arrive at the church.
Wheelchair access is possible along a stone path to the church and there is a low step through porch door.
Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a very small number of them have heating or running water meaning that they can be cold, and very rarely have toilet facilities. The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor. We do apologise for any inconvenience the lack of facilities may cause.
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The Church at Battlefield is a true Shropshire gem. As mentioned it gives off a beautiful but rather sad atmosphere, it is isolated and has a forgotten look to it from a distance, however the inside of the Church is in wonderful condition and a fine example of the CCT at work. A small exhibition detailing the Battle is also present at the Church. A must for anyone who cares about our English Christian heritage.
This church is one of the most beautiful in Shropshire, and a real find. Beautiful walks all around, a lovely spot in the summer. There is also a choral evensong held here once a year, usually towards the end of July, which is a lovely occasion and well attended. The church choir is from St Alkmund's in Whitchurch, 20miles north, who come specially to sing.