England & Wales Hardwicke Marriage Index
Marriages 1754 - 1837
Monkhopton St Peter

The Parish

The parish of Monkhopton lies in south central Shropshire about 7 miles west of the market town of Bridgnorth. Monkhopton is a rather small village, little more than a hamlet, which stands just south of the B4368 road which connects Bridgnorth with Craven Arms. The B4368 road follows a valley through rather hilly countryside and Monkhopton sits at the edge of that valley where land rises steeply to Netchwood Common. Rather surprisingly for this area, Monkhopton was largely an arable farming parish despite the stiff heavy clay soils. The Beaconhill Brook drains the parish eastwards joining the Mor Brook and thence to the Severn south of Bridgnorth, here matters turn southward for the long journey to the Bristol Channel via the latter's estuary. Monkhopton is sited at around 130 metres above the sea but land rises in rolling hills to local heights of almost 250 metres on the Common mentioned. Monkhopton parish was fairly typically sized for its area, covering just over 2,200 acres it would have supported just under 200 parishioners. Monkhopton is not mentioned in Domesday Book.

The Church

St Peter's church sits just a few hundred yards south of the B4368 on the western side of the main lane through the small village. Despite the rather bland appearance, the result of render formed to imitate ashlar, the church has ancient origins. The nave and chancel are Norman and 12th century in origin, despite the lack of mention in Domesday Book, there was clearly a settlement of sorts, here. The western tower was a 19th century addition just prior to the major restoration of 1840 which produced today's stark appearance. The lanes around the church are rather narrow but sufficient space exists at the junction for discreet parking. The church sits behind a low brick wall and has few obstructions to photography within the churchyard.