Church of St Mary the Virgin, Shrewsbury
Shropshire
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About this Church
An ancient church with world famous stained glass
The spire of St Mary's is one of the tallest in England and for over 500 years it has dominated the skyline of Shrewsbury's old town. In 1739, showman Robert Cadman attempted to slide from it, head first, using a rope and a grooved breastplate. His engraved obituary stands outside the west door.
The church is now the only complete medieval church in Shrewsbury. It dates from Saxon times and has beautiful additions from the twelfth-century onwards. Inside, the atmosphere is peaceful with the soaring stone arches giving way to the church's great treasure - its stained glass. There are panels in glorious colour including the world-famous fourteenth-century 'Jesse window'; filled with figures of Old Testament kings and prophets, and scenes from the life of St Bernard - a Medieval cartoon strip that shows him ridding flies from an abbey, riding a mule and curing the sick. No other church in the country has a collection to equal it.
Most of the glass was brought from elsewhere, much of it from Europe, by two remarkable clergymen, and installed in St Mary's during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Warmth and richness is also provided by superb Victorian coloured tiles on the floor. Lifting your eyes upwards, you will see the wonderful fifteenth-century carved oak ceiling of the nave, with a profusion of animals, birds and angels.
Other details delight you wherever you look: an ancient font, Medieval stone carving on the arcades, interesting monuments. The beauty and variety of this church and its contents, all on a grand scale, blend into an uplifting and memorable whole.
LOTTERY FUNDED PROJECT 2022-2024
Thanks to support from National Lottery players and CCT donors, the project (The Past, Present and Future of St Mary’s Stained-Glass) has repaired, protected and highlighted the exceptional stained glass collection, and engaged audiences with enhanced interpretation.
Explore the magnificent Jesse window in this church up online here:
Medieval East 'Jesse' window at St Mary, Shrewsbury — Google Arts & Culture
Access Information
Time limited on road parking around church on St Mary's Place. In town parking available along with Park & Ride options. There are no parking facilities at the church.
Disabled access information
Wheelchair access is possible from the church yard through the west porch door to all areas of the church, with two steps to the sanctuary/altar and Jesse Window.
Steps to chancel from the crossing, Trinity and St Catherine Chapel's. Ramps available for St Catherine's Chapel and into coffee shop.
Facilities & Hire
The cafe at St Mary's Church is currently closed, we will have further information on the re-opening of the cafe soon.
- Church Available for Hire
History & Further Information
Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church 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.
St Marys Church Shrewsbury Guidebook
Shropshire and Staffordshire Guidebook
This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches we care for in Shropshire and Staffordshire. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.
Directions
Shrewsbury town centre location, off St Mary's Street.
Transport
Nearest railway station: Shrewsbury (15 minutes walk). Bus route numbers 33/435/492.
Volunteering Opportunities
St Mary's is stewarded on a daily basis Monday to Saturday by a wonderful team of volunteers. To find out more about joining this remarkable team of volunteers, please speak to one of the existing stewards at the church, or contact Robert Milton, 07912 388985
