Shrewsbury News

Investigate the colourful tiles which decorate the floors (and sometimes walls!) of St Mary's, and be inspired to paint a tile of your own with Shrewsbury's very own Splat 'N' Splodge. Families can drop in from 10:30am to 3:30pm on 26th July to take part at a cost of £5 per tile, and return later to pick up their tile after firing.

Also in Church Tourism Week, join a walking tour of historic Shrewbury to take in the town's rich and fascinating built heritage. Discover traces of the Civil War in the former Benedictine monastery of Shrewsbury Abbey, and delight in the range of architectural styles on display at St Chad's, as well as taking in the awe-inspiring stained glass of St Mary the Virgin.

Curated by heritage charity The Churches Conservation Trust, Church Tourism Week is an annual celebration of our outstanding architectural heritage and an invitation to explore church buildings - and British history - in new ways.

Between 21-30 July the silvered oak doors of historic churches and chapels across the country will be thrown open for a programme of events and activities for all ages including concerts and theatre, Champing™ church camping adventures, historic tours, family trails and craft, tower climbs and art exhibitions.

St Mary the Virgin, cared for by The Churches Conservation Trust, is situated in the centre of Shrewsbury on St Mary’s Place. The medieval heritage site, with its world-famous stained glass, is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm for free tours.

For more information about this event, see www.visitchurches.org.uk/InspiringTiles

For the nationwide programme of events taking place in Church Tourism Week, see www.visitchurches.org.uk/churchtourismweek

For information about upcoming events or visiting times, see www.visitchurches.org.uk/Shrewsbury