Work restarts to uncover ‘one of the most important medieval monuments in Telford’ at churchyard - volunteers needed
A parish church is seeking volunteers to help in a community project to tidy up a Telford churchyard as well as continue work to uncover a medieval priory.
In 2011, the remnants of a former medieval priory were uncovered in the churchyard of Wombridge Parish Church, in Telford.
According to viable records, the Lady Chapel of Wombridge Priory existed on the site from around 1282. It endured a turbulent history and was raided for material to help build Apley Castle.
The remains of the chapel disappeared beneath the undergrowth of the churchyard but were rediscovered and partly uncovered under the direction of Dr Malcolm Hislop, an independent researcher and author specialising in archaeology who said at the time it was “one of the most important medieval monuments in Telford”.
The site was labelled a Scheduled Ancient Monument - a nationally important archaeological site - but work to uncover the rest of the site faltered.
Now it is hoped more of the site can be revealed as the parish church wants to recommence the work as part of a plan to tidy up the grounds and create pathways and information points.
A spokesperson for the church said the aim was to continue with efforts that began several years ago to understand and interpret the site and to develop and enhance it.
“Everyone is welcome to join in this community project: no experience or particular skills are needed, just willing hands,” a church spokesperson said. “This is a unique opportunity to come together as a community and make a meaningful difference in the preservation of Wombridge Churchyard, bringing together the past, present and future for the benefit, interest and enjoyment of the local community and visitors.”
Anyone who is interested in learning more is invited to attend a public meeting on Saturday, January 31 at 10.30am at Wombridge Parish Church.
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