England & Wales Hardwicke Marriage Index
Marriages 1754 - 1837
Baschurch All Saints

The Parish

The parish of Baschurch lies in northwestern Shropshire roughly 8 miles northwest of the county town of Shrewsbury. Baschurch sits at the northwestern terminus of the B5067 road which connects it with Shrewsbury at its meeting with the east/west running B4397. Baschurch is a large village built primarily around the "T" junction of the B roads, most properties either lining the southern side of the B4397 or either side of the B5067. The wider parish included the small chapelry at Little Ness which wasn't licensed for marriages during the transcript period, Little Ness is a small crossroads village southwest of Baschurch by just under 2 miles. This area of the country was traditionally one where pastoral farming dominated, today arable has crept into the farming portfolio through use of modern machinery and chemicals but pastures still dominate the landscape. Modern developments have come to the parish, the railway line from Shrewsbury to Wrexham passing through to the east without granting Baschurch a station. Baschurch is drained southwards by the River Perry which soon meets the Severn for the long journey through Shrewsbury, Worcester and Gloucester to the Bristol Channel. Baschurch is sited at around 80 metres above the sea, across the Perry to the west lies the isolated outcrop of The Cliffe which tops out at 157 metres and dominates western views. Baschurch parish was one of the most extensive in the county covering, including Little Ness, some 9,500 acres and supporting a population of close to 1,500 parishioners. In Domesday time Baschurch was a smaller place held by Earl Roger of Shrewsbury and offering just 6 ploughs, its 3 fisheries, however, would have made it much more profitable.

The Church

All Saints' church sits on the western edges of the village opposite to the New Inn and on the junction of Church Road with Nobold. The church immediately impresses through the use of its stunning red sandstone which gives a distinct glow in evening light. The earliest portion of the church is its 6-bay nave, this is a large church, which is 12th century Norman Romanesque in style, the northern arcade was replaced in the 18th century but the southern retains its 12th century features. The western tower is later and mainly 13th century, lancets in the stage below the bell-stage indicate its Early English Gothic credentials but many other features are of the early 14th century Decorated style so it is likely that it required a lengthy build. The short chancel at the eastern end is of uncertain dating but believed to also be of the 14th century. Contemporary with the chancel is the southern aisle also Decorated in style. Restoration began early for this church with work from 1789 to 1793 removing the northern aisle and its arcade and rebuilding a new northern wall to the church. A heavy but more typical Victorian restoration of 1889 made numerous changes to fine detailing. Nobold has a few parking spots suitable for a visit, the main entrance is from Church Road where a steeply arched lychgate allows entry. A pair of substantial trees sit awkwardly in the southeastern quarter but otherwise all aspects are readily available for the photographer.