White Church - no longer

Thursday, 29 April 2010 19:08

Say the title quickly!

Whitchurch - a market town with a bit of history. It is at the end of the Whitchurch Arm (1808 - 1944) which branches off the Llangollen Canal at New Mills Lift Bridge.

                        Whitchurch Junction from lift bridge, Arm to left and Main Line to right

Many narrowboats call in here, either mooring on the main line or in the Arm. We did both, or should I say John did, as I took a quick trip south and left him to do some painting jobs!

New Mills Lift Bridge, Epiphany moored on main line beyond

Just a quick look at some of the town of Whitchurch. It is home to the oldest tower-clock making company in the UK, JB Joyce Clocks, founded in 1690. Photo of factory here

You can spot the clocks in Singapore, Kabul and in the UK - Chester, Iron Bridge, Manchester, and Worcester to name a few. Needless to say there are a few Joyce clocks in the town!

Joyce pillar clock in Whitchurch

St Alkmund's Church has a memorial to and the tomb of Lord John Talbot, first Earl of Shrewsbury, military hero of the Hundred Years War. His heart is encased in an silver casket below the Church entrance. The church is the third church on the site (1350) and was pre-dated by the "White Church" in 1088 and the original 10th century church founded by the daughter of King Alfred.

St Alkmund's Church with clock in tower

The High Street, an old Roman Road, is full of interesting shops, some of them dating from the 14th century. Walker's the Bakers or "Ye Olde Shoppe", from the 15th century is the most complete medieval building in Whitchurch. Originally built as a house, it is now Grade ll listed.

Walker's shop

Jubilee Park is a pleasant short cut to the bus station and Tesco from the narrowboat moorings in the Arm. Crossing the lift bridge to the moorings on the main arm can be a waiting game as narrowboats travel through in convoys! Once across there are very pleasant views across the countryside and lovely morning views like this one!

Early morning on the main line

If you would like to know more about Whitchurch have a look at Whitchurch Town Guide and "virtually" explore the town!

We now look forward to moving again and leaving the Llangollen Canal behind for pastures new!