Small Churches: are they locked
 

I plan to visit a small hamlet during my visit and have a brief window of time to visit a tiny parish church. Does anyone know if churches are mostly open during the day.(unlocked and available to visitors?) This one is very small and doesn't have a web presence. (Shipton Church, Shropshire). It is of genealogic interest to me, and very old. I would actually be in the hamlet early afternoon on a Saturday in July. Chances of seeing the inside are.....you tell me??????

Chances are it will be open, but I can't tell you for certain. But here are 2 suggestions if you want to put your mind at rest. I would either write to the local vicar of the village and ask him. Address it to 'The Vicar, Shipton Church etc etc and the local postman will know where the rectory is and see it is safely delivered. Or try and see if the village has a local Post Office. The local P. Offices know everything and will be able to tell you! Good luck!

Some are, some aren't. According to the diocese of Hereford website, the pastor of St James, Shipton is Rev Stephen Lowe, Tel: 01952 727396. Perhaps a phone call would get you an answer and, if the church is locked, who in the village could open it for you.

I was going to answer this on your other thread but forgot . .

Ron has given you good info. The VAST majority of country churches unfortunately need to be locked up nowadays. Too much property theft about. (When I lived there I could show up at any village church and just wander around or do some brass rubbing - but that was a looooong time ago)

But most churches have a notice posted on the door w/ info who to contact to let you in. But w/ the number ron gave you you can do that ahead of time.

added this to my "to do" list. Thanks again!

petal, you may wish to check out http://www.wenlockchurches.co.uk
St James, Shipton is apparently one of 14 churches in the Wenlock area, served by a team of three priests. There is a photo of the church plus a brief description. Also phone #s of the churchwardens, who may also be sources of how to access.

Every once in awhile a post comes along that reminds me what an incredible resource is available here. Great info, Ron!

That church looks like such a charming one to visit!

Ron, Thanks so much for the info. I had been to that site but for some reason, St. James isn't the name of the church I thought I was looking for. I'm glad you had better insight. After reading your post, I went back and even found an email to post a request. I haven't heard back yet. But if I don't hear soon, I will give a ring on the telly. (???)
I'll post my visit in my trip report in mid august.
Thanks Ron!

I agree grasshopper. This board is a huge source of unusual information. I'm feeling SO prepared for this upcoming trip!

Petal, you threw me there for a moment by you "telly" reference. Actually, telly is slang for television. Like to see you make a call on that :)

oops. It was a feeble attempt... so, clue me in, what is slang for telephone? ? Just "ring him up?".. leave off the telly, eh?

Getting in the mood, here..

"I'll phone him"

There are some techno-addicts who specify the equipment involved ("I'll vid him on my new 3.5G Moto Cool Machine"). But most of us don't need to know what you use to make a simple phone call.

I would imagine that it is almost guaranteed that if you're there on a Saturday afternoon in July, there will be a wedding taking place; so you'll be fine.

petal, you need to go back over to your post in the "other topics" forum on here regarding bidding for travel and respond to my concern and djkbooks. Waiting to hear from you.