St Bartholomew's Church Tong Shropshire
Newport Road, TONG, Shifnal, Shropshire, TF11 8PW
Come and be inspired by the best in 15th century English creativity - architecture, stonework, alabaster and timber carvings, embroidery - and literary associations with Shakespeare and Dickens! St Bartholomew's Church is a fine example of English Perpendicular Gothic built almost in entirety between 1410-1430, the inspiration of Lady Isabel de Pembrugge and largely unspoilt by later alterations. The Golden Chapel (1510) has a magnificent stone carved fan-vaulted ceiling earning the church the reputation as the 'mini' Westminster Abbey of the Midlands; some of its original gilt paintwork still visible. Our nationally significant collection of alabaster and stone tomb monuments show high quality craftsmanship, remarkably well preserved despite the ravages of the Reformation and Civil War (you can still see cannon ball scars on the walls from when the church was besieged). The original roof timbers, rood screens, pew ends and misericords are beautifully carved in oak and have stood the test of time; alongside an unusual piece of 16th century embroidery recently restored by the Royal College of Needlework.
Tong Church has many stories to tell! Not least is how King Charles II escaped capture close by at Boscobel House thanks to local farmers the Penderels. Our guided tour also includes insights into the colourful lives of successive owners and occupants of Tong Castle (now demolished), as well connections to Shakespeare and Charles Dickens' Little Nell.
Timings & Tours
- Friday 06 September:
- Open daylight hours
- Saturday 07 September:
- HODs Guided Tour: 1100; open daylight hours
- Sunday 08 September:
- 1400-1700
- Monday 09 September:
- Open daylight hours
- Tuesday 10 September:
- Open daylight hours
- Wednesday 11 September:
- HODs Guided Tour: 1430; open daylight hours
- Thursday 12 September:
- Open daylight hours
- Friday 13 September:
- Open daylight hours
- Saturday 14 September:
- HODs Guided Tour: 1100; open daylight hours
- Sunday 15 September:
- 1400-1700
Location & directions
Newport Road, TONG, Shifnal, Shropshire, TF11 8PW
- Directions:
- Just off J3 of the M54. Ample parking in the lane.
- Contact on day:
- Robert Parry
- Telephone number:
- +441902372045
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking preferred
- Booking conditions:
- Alternative booking contact: Christine Deane (01902 741356)
- Booking contact name:
- Robert Parry
- Booking telephone number:
- +441902372045
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- https://www.tong-church.org.uk
- Booking opens:
- 01 Jul 2024 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 14 Sep 2024 12:00 AM
Accessibility details
Ample parking in the lane. No toilets on site - use the village hall across the lane
Additional information
Tong Village and St Bartholomew's Church are well worth a visit if you are walking the Monarch's Way. You can pick up a map showing a series of local walks that link Tong with Boscobel House and the famous Royal Oak tree, and White Ladies Priory - now a ruin.
- Max no of people per tour:
- 20
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)
