THE CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST, SHOBDON, HEREFORDSHIRE
Situated between Leominster and Knighton on B4362 and is posted off this road.
This unique church has its origins in Anglo-Saxon times, its structure then being of wood.
This was followed by a stone church built in the 12th century and was erected upon the instructions of Oliver De Merlemond *.
In the 13th century the tower was added, this was followed by further alterations being carried out by Knight Bernard** in 1756 on the instructions of the Bateman family.
Sir James Bateman***resided in Shobden manor, the Bateman family are responsible for much of what can be seen today.
The alterations included a new nave with its ornamental arches and ornate decoration and a pulpit that is equally elaborate.
The colours of Wedgewood Blue and white have led to the church being referred to by many as being The Wedgewood Church.
Other descriptions refer to it as being Strawberry Hill Gothik.
Visitors to this superb church see the exterior as a Norman building and it is only upon entry that the uniqueness is fully appreciated.
Prince Charles has been amongst the many visitors who come from the world over.
When the work of 1756 was carried out the interior arches were dismantled and rebuilt as a folly at the brow of the hill that overlooks the church.
It is worth taking a stroll to examine the arches to see the fine carvings that decorate them.
The church is in the care of The Church Preservation Trust.
*Oliver De Merlemond – Steward to Hugh De Mortimer
**Knight Bernard – He was also responsible for work carried out at Pembridge church
***Sir James Bateman – Shobdon Manor 1705,
Lord Mayor of London 1716 –1717, died 10th November 1718
It is of particular note that it was at nearby Shobdon airfield that the Special Air Services (SAS) trained and flew from.
The Church today forms a vital centre to the community and is one of six churches in the ArrowVale Group.
Like all such buildings, the church at Shobdon demands regular maintenance, and periodically major renovations to preserve its beauty for future generations. Current problems include decay and degradation in the transept roofs, and a resulting ingress of water causing damage to the fine plasterwork, stonework spalling and the loss of detail to mouldings and carvings, the tower coming away from the rest of the building, as well as deterioration to the very ornate pulpit. There would be great support too for replacing the Edwardian glass in the east window with the original Georgian glass, much of which is preserved in the north transept.
Some of this work is in hand, but much more needs to be done. As a long term strategy, the Shobdon Church Preservation Trust has been established to set up and manage a trust fund large enough to ensure the future of this remarkable building.
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