St Mary's, Longnor - Steeplewood Fold

St Mary's, Leebotwood - Steeplewood Fold

Originally a hermitage owned by Haughmond Abbey the stone church was built in circa 1200A.D.

A medieval wall painting of the Nativity discovered in 1976 and the Welsh dragon carvings on the Western roof truss are of particular note. Memorials to the Corbett family are in the East end of the church. The churchyard is managed to conserve wildflowers and other wildlife.

The church is part of the Steeplewood Fold group of churches comprises six parishes – Stapleton, Dorrington, Longnor, Leebotwood, Smethcote and Woolstaston. The parishes have an approximate civil population of approximately 2000 and most lie to the west of the A49 trunk road between Shrewsbury and Church Stretton: approximately 5 miles distant from each.

The parishes of the Steeplewood Fold are committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies. The Diocese of Hereford’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO). If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSO. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

https://www.hereford.anglican.org/safeguarding/

St Michael's, Smethcote - Steeplewood Fold

Rebuilt in 1850 at a cost of approx. £650 this church sits on a hill with magnificent views and was originally part of a motte and bailey complex.

The roof structure is held together by wooden dowels there being no iron in the building. The stone font is Norman or earlier. Young people are particularly welcome and there is a newly provided play area at the rear of the nave.

The church is part of the Steeplewood Fold group of churches and comprises six parishes – Stapleton, Dorrington, Longnor, Leebotwood, Smethcote and Woolstaston. The parishes have an approximate civil population of approximately 2000 and most lie to the west of the A49 trunk road between Shrewsbury and Church Stretton: approximately 5 miles distant from each.

The parishes of the Steeplewood Fold are committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies. The Diocese of Hereford’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO). If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSO. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

https://www.hereford.anglican.org/safeguarding/

St Edward's, Dorrington - Steeplewood Fold

A church built in the Early English style by the Hope-Edwards family of Netley Hall at the height of the mid-Victorian Anglo-Catholic renewal period (1845).

This is a period gem and seats approx. 200 people. The church is open during the day and warmly welcomes visitors.

The church is part of the Steeplewood Fold group of churches comprises six parishes – Stapleton, Dorrington, Longnor, Leebotwood, Smethcote and Woolstaston. The parishes have an approximate civil population of approximately 2000 and most lie to the west of the A49 trunk road between Shrewsbury and Church Stretton: approximately 5 miles distant from each.

To the West the parishes stretch up onto the Long Mynd Hills and there is ample opportunity for hill-walking, horse riding, off road biking, gliding and other pursuits. There are four good inns in the group at which refreshment may readily be found.

We’re here to help people find a relationship with Jesus Christ by reaching out into our communities, sharing our faith, learning more as we journey together - enjoying worship and praising God.

Do come and visit us either for a service or simply to appreciate the architecture and surroundings of the six lovely churches.

The parishes of the Steeplewood Fold are committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies. The Diocese of Hereford’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO). If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSO. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

https://www.hereford.anglican.org/safeguarding/

St John the Baptist, Stapleton - Steeplewood Fold

Recorded in the Domesday Book this church was originally part of the medieval motte and bailey. The church dates from around 1200 A.D. and is of particular interest architecturally. At one period the local population was protected from the Welsh on the ground floor. At another the congregation worshipped on the 1st floor level which has since been removed.

The organ is listed among the top six hundred in the Country and there is a small tapestry piece in the nave said to have been worked by Mary Queen of Scots.

The church is part of the Steeplewood Fold group of churches and comprises six parishes – Stapleton, Dorrington, Longnor, Leebotwood, Smethcote and Woolstaston. The parishes have an approximate civil population of approximately 2000 and most lie to the west of the A49 trunk road between Shrewsbury and Church Stretton: approximately 5 miles distant from each.

The parishes of the Steeplewood Fold are committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies. The Diocese of Hereford’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO). If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSO. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

https://www.hereford.anglican.org/safeguarding/

St Michael & All Angels, Woolstaston - Steeplewood Fold

With a parish population of 23 this is the smallest church in the group and is mentioned in the Domesday Book.

A large legacy left to the church in 1991 enabled the rebuilding of the bell tower and re-roofing of the church with traditional hand-made Shropshire slates. The font is Norman with the lower bowl possibly from Roman Wroxeter.

This is the church and Rectory of the well-known Victorian clergyman the Reverend Donald Carr who became hopelessly lost in sub-zero temperatures and 20 foot snowdrifts while returning home across the Long Mynd after conducting a service at Ratlinghope. His grave is outside the West window.

The church is locked but a key is readily available from Rectory Farm just above the church. Visitors are warmly welcomed.

The church is part of the Steeplewood Fold group of churches and comprises six parishes – Stapleton, Dorrington, Longnor, Leebotwood, Smethcote and Woolstaston. The parishes have an approximate civil population of approximately 2000 and most lie to the west of the A49 trunk road between Shrewsbury and Church Stretton: approximately 5 miles distant from each.

The parishes of the Steeplewood Fold are committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies. The Diocese of Hereford’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO). If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSO. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

https://www.hereford.anglican.org/safeguarding/