This once venerable pile was founded previous to the Norman conquest, by one of the kings of Mercia, soon after the expulsion of the Britons, on a site of a palace belonging to one of the princes of Powis, which was destroyed during the wars between the Britons and their Saxon invaders. In 1393, a considerable part of the structure was burnt down through the carelessness of a plumber, then repairing the lead on the roof, who, frightened at beholding the edifice in flames, endeavoured to escape over the ford of the Severn, near the eastern gate, but was drowned in the attempt. In the early part of the year 1788, the church was observed to be decaying fast, and a respectable architect, who was employed to survey it, advised that the tower should be taken down, in order to relieve the mouldering pillars of their vast weight. Unfortunately, this salutary advice was not acted upon; in lieu thereof, partial repairs were undertaken, and the attempt to remove a shattered pillar, that a firmer one might be erected in its place, completed its ruin. On the second day after the workmen had commenced their destructive operations, the decayed pillar gave way, and in consequence, the tower fell about four o’clock the following morning, July 9, 1788, on the roof of the church, and overwhelmed the greater part of the sacred edifice in ruinous desolation.
About a month previous to this occurrence, the church had been thronged with thousands, who had assembled to witness the interment of an officer with military honours.
Although a considerable part of old building remained, it was not deemed advisable to rebuild the church on its ancient site. The present fragment of it, which was formerly the Bishop’s chancel, was fitted up for the purpose of performing the rites of sepulture in, and at this time it is used as a charity school.
It is worthy of remark, that the light of the reformation first dawned in Shrewsbury in this church.
St. Alkmond’s Church,
Situate immediately adjoining St. Julian’s, was originally founded by Elfrida, daughter of Offa, king of Mercia; and like some others in Shrewsbury, was erected at different periods and in different styles of architecture in the form of a cross. At the destruction of St. Chad’s church, the parishioners, alarmed for the safety of their ancient structure, caused it to be thoroughly examined, and in consequence of some symptoms of decay exhibited in the roof, they determined on the demolition of the old church and the erection of a new one on a part of its site. The present building was accordingly opened for divine worship in November, 1795, at an expence of about £3000, one half of which might have been saved by a judicious repair of the original erection, and thus preserved for ages. The beautiful spire-steeple at the west end, is the only part which escaped the general devastation. It is 184 feet in height, and is highly ornamental to the town, especially when seen from the adjacent country. It contains a musical peal of eight bells.
The plan of the church is an oblong square, 84 feet by 44, with a small recess for the altar, over which is a handsome painted window, by Eginton; the subject is emblematical of Faith, kneeling on a cross, with the eyes elevated and arms extended towards a celestial crown which appears amidst the opening clouds. “Be faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life,” is the motto.
Previous to the demolition of the old church, there were a variety of ancient inscriptions, few of which are now visible. In the church-yard is a monument to the memory of Alderman William Jones and his wife, the former of whom died in 1612. It formerly stood in the chantry north of the chancel; and about sixteen years ago it was munificently repaired by the late Sir Thomas Tyrwhit Jones, Bart, M.P. the worthy and respected representative of the family.
The living is in the gift of the crown. Its present incumbent the Rev. J. Wightman.