St Mary
Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire
St John's church, Doddington sits at around 1000ft on the side of Titterstone Clee Hill, with stunning views to Worcestershire and Wales.
Doddington, Shropshire
The church sits high up above the A4117 between Ludlow and Kidderminster in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It was built in 1847 by Thomas Botfield, iron master, of Hopton Court as a place of worship for the many local coal miners and quarry workers of Titterstone Clee Hill in Shropshire. The design was based on the plans used to build Hopton Wafers church (the neighbouring parish). Thomas died before the church was built, but his wife Lucy (nee Skelhorn) completed it and donated a set of communion silver which is on display at Hereford Cathedral.
The church is approached from the main road by three steep flights of steps. An open graveyard through which a sloping path without steps runs surrounds the church; there are three commonwealth war graves and a Grade II war memorial.
The church is built of stone and has a tower, nave and gallery. The window frames on south, west and north walls are unusual in being cast iron in a decorative pattern. All windows have clear glass, giving sight of the stunning views to Worcestershire and beyond. The Communion rail is also cast iron. Tiles behind the altar are believed to be Minton. There is a west gallery, early 20th century wooden screen and arch.
The small but loyal congregation keep the church open every day and provide refreshments. We can't promise that the church will be warm; Titterstone Clee isn't known for its balmy temperatures! On cloudy days, you might find yourself in the cloud, or if you are lucky, in the sunshine looking down on them! On clear days, a bench outside allows you to enjoy wide ranging views. But whatever the weather, we hope you will come and visit our church and do sign the Visitors Book if you do! There is parking for a couple of cars opposite the church by the cattle grid and there are toilets in Clee Hill Village 2 miles towards Ludlow or in Cleobury Mortimer in the other direction.
Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire
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Bayton , Worcestershire