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 one 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.
