SJ7038 : The Church of St Chad - The External Arch
taken 4 years ago, near to Norton in Hales, Shropshire, England
The church dates from the 13th and 14th centuries and despite the large number of external doors and doorways is entered through the tower, where the resultant lobby is hung with many monuments, including a huge marble memorial to Francis Cotton, who died in childbirth along with the child. They are portrayed in effigy, along with her husband Rowland (who survived the fateful day).
There are two fonts, one rather eroded and weather-beaten and currently in the churchyard, and one inside very close to the pulpit. In fact the whole interior has a cramped feel, not helped by the heavy late Victorian pews and choir stalls Every window is coloured, which makes it dark as well.
The church is a grade II* listed building. The listing includes the external archway on the North side, which once linked the church and the (now demolished) Rectory. See Link
The church has a ring of eight bells, described by the church guide as:
1: 16 1/2 inches, cast by John Warner & Sons, London, 1867
2: 17 1/2 inches, cast by John Warner & Sons, London, 1864
3: 28 1/2 inches, cast by John Warner & Sons, London, 1864
4: 30 inches, cast by John Warner & Sons, London, 1864
5: 31 1/2 inches, cast by John Warner & Sons, London, 1867
6: 33 1/2 inches, cast by Hugh Watts of Leicester, c. 1610
7: 36 inches, cast by John Warner & Sons, London, 1864
8: 41 inches, cast by John Warner & Sons, London, 1867
Bell 7 is inscribed "GOD SAVE THE CHORVRCHE OVR KYNGE OF ENGLAND", according a Mr R.E.Davies, as reported by the church guide.
The bells can be rung by a Carillon, that plays different tunes on different days, at 3 hourly intervals. The Carillon was made by Thwaites and Reeds of London.