St Mary the Virgin, Astley
SY4 4BP
Parking at the village hall,
Wheelchair accessible,
Open daylight hours.
Situated between the A 49 and A 53 St Mary’s lies at the heart of the village. The blocked doorway with its dog-tooth hood mould is typical Norman in design, with an adjacent row of indentations on the south wall which, tradition says, were made by men sharpening their weapons.
The tower was added in 1837. The rood screen, altar and reredos were designed in the late 1930s by Sir Charles Nicholson; the recently refurbished, east window is by local glass maker David Evans. The colours are very pale, perhaps to let in the light. The three panels depict King Edgar, St Michael and St Catherine. King Edgar founded St Mary’s, Shrewsbury, which has chapels dedicated to St Michael and St Catherine.
In 2012 the medieval bell (circa 1270) was refurbished, and a Victorian bell installed for the clock chime. Full details are in the leaflets at the back of the church and in the Church History section of 'A Church Near You'. (See below) Enjoy your visit!
For more information, pictures and a fascinating and detailed history, see
https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/4293/
The interior, decorated for Harvest.
Detail of the 'Trouncer' window
Photos: 'A Church Near You'.