Brewood - worth exploring

Tuesday, 24 March 2009 16:54

Yesterday morning we went into Brewood to shop and explore. We have been here many times before but today we went into St Mary’s Catholic Church just by Brewood Bridge.

It is a beautiful church

It was designed by A W N Pugin – he of the Palace of Westminster fame! It was opened in 1844 and cost £1,345 to build. The Gifford family were involved too, giving the land and paying the early priests’ upkeep.

The high altar is very simple

We wandered down Bargate Street, turning left into Stafford Street. Here we patronised the local bakers for lunch.

Next stop was Maiden’s the butchers. They sell fruit and veg too so we stocked up at reasonable prices. Finally we went into the Spar for some staple stores!

Looking up Stafford Street towards Speedwell Castle

Speedwell Castle features on everyone’s account of a visit to Brewood. Rather like the boat bicycle on the Ashby recently! We like to claim “first dibs” on that one though! The story of Speedwell Castle is that it was built by a local apothecary with money won on the Duke of Bolton’s horse “Speedwell”.  This is folk lore and not proven but the Castle was once a provision store!

After visiting the PO and chemist in Market Square we walked to the Parish church of St Mary, the Virgin and St Chad, a huge church and visible from the canal. This is by far the oldest building in Brewood

The oldest bit – the chancel

There are lots of memorials, principal amongst them being the four alabaster Gifford family tombs in the chancel. The stained glass windows are also worth a look.

The weather turned nasty – windy and heavy cold showers so we walked back home as fast as we could!

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