A day not to be missed.

St Bartholomew’s Church at Tong is renowned as a ‘treasure house’, it’s historical and architectural significance being well documented. It is a Grade 1 listed building because the present church has remained almost intact for 600 years with only one later addition, the chantry chapel – called ‘The Golden Chapel’ because of its rich colouring and magnificent fan-vaulting.

The church, together with a priests’ College (now disappeared) and Infirmary (ruined) were the inspiration of Isabel de Pembrugge in the early 15^th century.  The misericords in the chancel testify to her desire for 13 poor people to be cared for by 5 clergy provided they prayed there 3 times a day and said masses for her deceased husbands.

It has a superb collection of medieval alabaster tombs and effigies, original carvings and brass work.

The church is unusual as it has a central square tower that becomes octagonal just above the roof level with an octagonal spire on top.  It houses the Great Bell of Tong, the largest swung bell in Shropshire dating from 1518.

The tour will take us around the church and it’s surrounds and tell of its literary connections (Shakespeare and Dickens) as well as royal historical associations: Henry Tudor, Catherine of Aragon and King Charles II, following his escape after the Battle of Worcester when he hid at Boscobel nearby.

The tour will be followed by lunch in the Parish Rooms.

Meet: Tong Church – near Weston Park, Weston under Lizard at 11.15am
Sat Nav: TF11 8PW   Organiser: Ruth Williams
Booking deadline: June 15th
Price: £17 pp – includes lunch of meat and salads, dessert and tea/coffee (please specify any special dietary requirements when booking).