St Peter's Church, Chelmarsh

St Peter’s Church stands in the quiet village of Chelmarsh, Shropshire, on ground once occupied by an earlier medieval building. The present church dates mainly from the 14th century, when Hugh de Mortimer endowed a chantry chapel and the nave was completed by about 1345. The lower stage of the west tower belongs to the same period, while the upper brick stage and its Neoclassical details were added around 1720. A south porch designed by J. Farmer of Newport was added in 1887, giving the entrance a Victorian face. The church is listed Grade I for its special historic interest. The Decorated-style nave is built of local stone and contains a re-set Norman doorway in its north wall. The tower rises in brick with stone dressings, its summit framed by a balustrade and topped by paired round-headed bell openings. Inside, a four-bay arcade on octagonal piers leads to the chancel, where stained glass by Kempe shows the Crucifixion in the east window. Nearby, Burlison and Grylls created glass for the south chancel window illustrating the Parable of the Sower. The Nicholson organ and a ring of six Rudhall bells from 1720 still serve the congregation. Outside, the churchyard holds a Commonwealth war grave of a Second World War airman. The porch, priest’s doorway and three tall two-light windows mark the south side, while the east window opens on five lights. A Perpendicular-style tomb chest and marble war memorial plaques recall the parish’s losses in both world wars. The King’s Shropshire Light Infantry badge hangs nearby, embroidered in silk.