St Michael And Remains Of Churchyard Cross

EXTERIOR: the mainly perpendicular square C12 tower has an embattled parapet and a low spirelet and vane.

Below the parapet is a curved stone cornice with gargoyles and figureheads.

The nave, north chapel and chancel each have a double hammerbeam roof, probably of late C17 date.

Other features of note include a reset early-Norman tympanum in the north wall of the nave

an early C14 monument under the chapel arch comprising a cross-legged knight with shield and a lion at the feet, C19 furnishings including pews

late C19 and early C20 stained glass windows, notably in the south arcade by Heaton, Butler and Bayne

SUBSIDIARY FEATURES: the remains of an early-medieval stone churchyard cross stands in the south of the churchyard.

A vertical hollow has been cut in the cross-base, and was used in the medieval period to hold a chalice during Eucharist.

HISTORY: a Saxon church and churchyard may have stood on this site, although a church was not recorded at Domesday.

St Michael's Church is of late C12 date, with notable C17 restoration following damage during the English Civil War.

In 1998, a Grade II designated sundial plate was removed from the churchyard and placed in the church, newly restored and attached to a 'stoup' or font and stone pedestal.

REASONS FOR DESIGNATION: The Church of St Michael, High Ercall, Shropshire, a C12 church with later additions by G.E Street, and with remains of an early-medieval churchyard cross, is designated at Grade I for the following principal reasons: * Rarity: Early-medieval churches are rare and most that survive, given their exceptional level of special interest, are designated at a higher grade. * Architectural: The church is built using high quality early craftsmanship.

The C17 work is of high quality and includes substantial hammerbeam roofs.