St. Mary, Billingsley

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St. Mary, Billingsley

Description

The 12th century Billingsley Church is Grade II* listed. It was originally a chapel of Morville church, founded by Herbert de Castello, who endowed it with 12 acres of land and a mansion. It was restored in 1875 by G. E. Street. The original Norman doorway can still be seen in the south wall of the nave. This was blocked off sometime during the 14th century, and a new door was built, with a timber-framed porch, which is one of the finest mediaeval porches in the county. In the north wall of the chancel is a fine 14th century Easter Sepulchre, built to house the consecrated host between Maundy Thursday and Easter Day. The unusual double pulpit is Jacobean, dating from around 1620 and is thought to have been made by local craftsmen.

The graveyard is very peaceful with views of the surrounding countryside and two ancient yew trees – one female, and one male. Both trees have a girth of over 20 feet, which means that they are ancient yews, and are centuries old and are listed on the National Register of Ancient Yews.

Today Billingsley has just over 75 households, the majority about a third of a mile from the church clustered around the former pub, now closed. Most of the villagers are commuters or are retired. The church is now the only public building in the village.

Open during daylight hours every day. Services are usually 6 pm Songs of Praise on the 2nd Sunday of each month from March to October, and 8 am Holy Communion on the 4th Sunday of each month, but check the website for details.

Location

Billingsley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 6PH, United Kingdom

Directions

Grid reference: SO705853
Travel directions:
By car: Billingsley Church is down a single track lane off the B4363, south of Bridgnorth. The lane is a BOAT, (Byway Open to All Traffic) and is an unmade lane which is uneven in places. There is limited car parking for 4 or 5 cars available outside the church.
Unfortunately no public transport links.

Facilities

There is a wooden ramp in the porch which visitors can use to get into the church and the graveyard is fully accessible although very uneven in places. The church has a fully accessible WC. Suitable for quiet days.

Find us on Facebook: "St Mary’s, Billingsley" and Twitter @StMarysB

Hospitaller/Contact Person

Revd David Poyner,
136 Hoo Road
Kidderminster
DY10 1LP

Tel: 01562 68638

Email:

Web Link

http://www.stmarys-billingsley.org.uk

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