Church of St Mary the Virgin — Attraction in Great Britain

St Mary’s Church in Shrewsbury is absolutely stunning — one of those places that quietly takes your breath away the moment you step inside. It’s not just a church; it’s a living time capsule of English history. The building has been standing here since Saxon times (the first church was probably built around the 10th century), and the current structure, mostly 12th–15th century, still feels full of life and character. The spire is incredible — one of the tallest in England — and you can see it from all over town. Inside, the atmosphere is calm and full of light. The carved wooden roof is richly detailed with angels, animals, and medieval patterns, and the famous Jesse Window is worth the visit alone. It’s a masterpiece of 14th-century stained glass, showing the family tree of Christ in brilliant medieval color.

You can almost trace the centuries as you move through the building — Norman stonework, Gothic arches, Victorian restorations — all layered together beautifully. Now under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust, St Mary’s isn’t used for regular worship anymore, but it’s open to visitors, often hosting exhibitions and events. It’s well cared for, peaceful, and free to enter (though donations are appreciated). I really love architecture and history, and this place is a must-see in Shrewsbury. It’s not just another old church — it’s a thousand years of faith, art, and craftsmanship, all under one...

Sadly now a redundant Anglican Church but most joyfully under the care of the Churches Conversation Trust for us all to enjoy today . It is a Grade 1 listed monument and believed to have been founded by King Edgar in the 10th Century . As you enter on the tower there is a plaque to a 18th century daredevil who had performed his feats of daring as far afield as Dover and Lincoln . Unfortunately this Evel Knievel of the past came unstuck here whilst performing one of his stunts . So R.I.P. to Robert Cadman . Inside the stained glass dates from the 14th to 19th centuries . The East Window of the chancel has a depiction of the Jesse Tree and depictions elsewhere of Bernard of Clairvaux and beautifully create the atmospheric feeling inside . The day I visited the atmosphere being added to by a Steam punk festival . I must admit I didn't know much about these but they looked very glamorous and were very entertaining . I could have watched the ladies in Black and White dancing for hours and listened to the accompanying music also . A surprising 10/10 from me most entertaining and talented I shall have to look out for more of these festivals . Beautiful place and a rather...

One star for the cafe .. Im afraid I haven't come across chaos like this before! The woman on the table by us got only half her order.. I actually went to order at the counter as there was no sign of anyone around in the church section .. waited a good 10mins or more before tea arrived..and went back as they had 2 out of the 4 teas ordered. Several mins later 4 teas came. Another long wait before the hot sausage roll came cold, and 1 out of the 2 soups ordered came. The crumpets were fine😊 .. and the 2nd soup again took several minutes.. 10? On one of the many visits to our table the lady explained the till was dodgy ..yet it was only when I went to pay that they entered the hand written order into the till🤪 Quality .. soup was home made, hot and nice flavour with a decent slice of bread, crumpets were fine, my dad ate as much as he could force himself too. Shame we didnt get chance to look at the building as we had no time and my 90 year old parents were...