St Mary's Church

The spire of St Mary's is one of the tallest in England and for over 500 years it has dominated the skyline of Shrewsbury's old town. In 1739, showman Robert Cadman attempted to slide from it, head first, using a rope and a grooved breastplate. His engraved obituary stands outside the west door. The church is now the only complete Medieval church in Shrewsbury. It dates from Saxon times and has beautiful additions from the 12th-century onwards. Inside, the atmosphere is peaceful with the soaring stone arches giving way to the church's great treasure - its stained glass. There are panels in glorious colour including the world-famous 14th-century 'Jesse window' filled with figures of Old Testament kings and prophets. No other church in the country has a collection to equal it. The Café at St Mary's Church, Shrewsbury, run by the Battlefield 1403 farm shop and deli, is now open Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm.