St Bartholomew's Church Tong Shropshire
Newport Road, Tong, Shifnal, Shropshire, TF11 8PW
Come and be inspired by the best in 15th century English creativity - architecture, stonework, alabaster and timber carvings, embroidery - and literary associations with Shakespeare and Dickens!
St Bartholomew's Church is a fine example of English Perpendicular Gothic built almost in entirety between 1410-1430, the inspiration of Lady Isabel de Pembrugge and largely unspoilt by later alterations. The Golden Chapel (1510) has a magnificent stone carved fan-vaulted ceiling earning the church the reputation as the 'mini' Westminster Abbey of the Midlands; some of its original gilt paintwork still visible. Our nationally significant collection of alabaster and stone tomb monuments show high quality craftsmanship, remarkably well preserved despite the ravages of the Reformation and Civil War (you can still see cannon ball scars on the walls from when the church was besieged). The original roof timbers, rood screens, pew ends and misericords are beautifully carved in oak and have stood the test of time; alongside an unusual piece of 16th century embroidery recently restored by the Royal College of Needlework.
Tong Church has many stories to tell! Not least is how King Charles II escaped capture close by at Boscobel House thanks to local farmers the Penderels. Our guided tour also includes insights into the colourful lives of successive owners and occupants of Tong Castle (now demolished), as well connections to Shakespeare and Charles Dickens' Little Nell.
Timings & Tours
- Friday 12 September:
- Guided Tour: 1430; open daylight hours.
- Saturday 13 September:
- Guided Tour: 1430; open daylight hours.
- Sunday 14 September:
- 1400-1700
- Monday 15 September:
- Guided Tour: 1430; open daylight hours.
- Tuesday 16 September:
- Open daylight hours.
- Wednesday 17 September:
- Guided Tour: 1430; open daylight hours.
- Thursday 18 September:
- Open daylight hours.
- Friday 19 September:
- Guided Tour: 1430; open daylight hours.
- Saturday 20 September:
- Guided Tour: 1100; open daylight hours.
- Sunday 21 September:
- 1400-1700
Location & directions
Newport Road, Tong, Shifnal, Shropshire, TF11 8PW
- Directions:
- Just off J3 of the M54. Ample parking in the lane.
- Contact on day:
- Robert Parry
- Telephone number:
- +441902372045
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking preferred
- Booking conditions:
- Please pre-book for the guided tours.
- Booking contact name:
- Christine Deane
- Booking telephone number:
- +441902741356
- Booking website:
- https://www.tong-church.org.uk
- Booking opens:
- 02 Jun 2025 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 20 Sep 2025 12:00 AM
Accessibility details
Ample parking in the lane. No toilets on site - use the village hall across the lane
Additional information
Tong Village and St Bartholomew's Church are well worth a visit if you are walking the Monarch's Way. You can pick up a map showing a series of local walks that link Tong with Boscobel House and the famous Royal Oak tree, and White Ladies Priory - now a ruin. If you'd like to book a group for refreshments (lunch or tea) before or after your tour, please contact Christine Deane on 01902 741356. An alternative booking/query contact is: Sally Beard on 07796 392441
- Max no of people per tour:
- 20
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)
