St Mary: Caynham

Getting here

St Mary’s Church Caynham SY8 3BN dates from the twelfth century. The nave and chancel were rebuilt in 1885 incorporating some of the earlier features including a Norman arch and 1647 wooden lintel in the porch.

The tower (where the light switches are) originally had a wooden top storey. It houses the remains of our 17th century bier and three bells also dating from the 17th century. The font basin is old but the new re-enforcing shafts give it a modern feel.

The nave has a High Victorian marble and alabaster pulpit. The three massive arches leading into the chancel are Norman and symbolise the Holy Trinity. The chancel window is by Kemp & Co (1912) showing Angels adoring the Holy Name. Look up and you will see a fine Victorian stone-vaulted ceiling.

In the north aisle there is the 1920’s funeral bier used to carry the coffin at parish funerals. The woodcut of the Lord’s Prayer which hangs on the wall is believed to be unique in Shropshire.

In the churchyard there is Caynham’s ancient yew and an oak lych gate (Grade II) erected as a war memorial. Through the trees, you can glimpse the neo-gothic vicarage (1880’s) and, to the left across the road, the glebe farm house of a similar date.

The medieval cross (Grade II*) made from local blue Hope Bagot stone and dates from the 14th century. On the west side of its base is a tabernacle niche – for holding a lamp to scare away evil spirits from the church yard.

There are three fine early 19th century chest tombs (Grade II) outside the chancel. The churchyard has good views of Titterstone Clee and the Caynham Camp (the iron age hill fort) which can be accessed by following the public footpath through the churchyard.

Caynham
Ludlow
SY8 3BN

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