Dedicated to St. Chad who was Bishop of Lichfield between 669 and 672, the Parish of St.Chad was one of the four parishes within the town walls. The original Old St. Chads was in the centre of the town existing for 1,000 years until the tower fell and destroyed the church in 1788.
The new round .building, designed by George Steuart and built by John Simpson,consecrated in 1792, was the result of a misunderstanding over the plans. The tower and cupola rises to150 feet while the nave, at a diameter of 100 feet is none of the largest circular naves in England.
Local Grinshill stone was used
to contruct the church; the Silurian marble font was bought from Malpas
Church, Cheshire for £10 in 1843.
Charles Darwin was baptised in the Church on November 18th, 1809.
The Bells
There are twelve
bells cast in 1798; each bears an inscription:
Number 4:
"When female virtue weds with manly worth
We catch the rapture and we spread it forth."
Number 9:
"May England's coasts the pride of commerce see
And Salop's pride be always to be free."
Number 12:
"Here let us pause and now with onne accord
Salute the Church triumphant in the Lord."
The Wildlife Garden
Wander quietly round the graveyard and see how many species of butterflies
and birds can be spotted. The tumbledown graves are surrounded by rich
vegetation and are preserved as a wildflower garden to encourage wildlife.
