St Leonard, Bridgnorth

The proud red Gothic tower of St Leonard’s dominates Bridgnorth’s skyline. Seemingly mediaeval, though in fact almost entirely a Victorian restoration, it is a massive, mellow church. Around it is an oval of charming houses, almost like a cathedral close. The original church on this site was probably late Saxon or Norman, with additions made over the centuries.

Disaster struck during the Civil War when St Leonard’s was used by Cromwell’s troops as an ammunition store. A cannon shot caused it to explode, and fire swept through the town. The church was repaired, and after the Restoration of the monarchy in the 17th century, the magnificent nave roof was installed. Most of what you see now, however, dates from the 19th century building campaign under the Revd George Bellett, whose monument is in the church.

The size is breathtaking. Inside, the width of the nave and aisles together is not much less than that of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. As you walk in from the door under the tower you get an extraordinary sense of space being slowly revealed. All the woodwork, stained glass, tiles and stonework are of exceptionally high quality. There are a number of interesting memorials to well-known townspeople over the centuries. The most unusual are the four cast-iron monuments dating from 1692 to 1707, probably made at Richard Knight’s ironworks nearby.

There is also a walkround audioguide for St Leonard's, which can be downloaded from our website.

Please note that due to the annual English Haydn Festival, St Leonard's church will close to the public from Monday 7th June and reopen on Tuesday 15th June. The church will have restricted access to the public on Sunday 6th June when the staging for the festival is erected. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.