St John

St John’s, Doddington sits at around 1000ft on the side of Titterstone Clee Hill, with stunning views to Worcestershire and Wales. It is a Grade II listed building with unique decorative cast iron windows and was built for the local quarry and mine workers in 1847. Open every day, the church is a place to find peace and rest, a link to our local heritage and of course refreshments!

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. In 2021 the alternative route of the path was upgraded to be accessible to all and runs through the open graveyard; 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; 2 were refurbished in 2012 and 2 in 2022, the other 6 await the same repair. 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.

We are delighted to have just received funding for a project, Beacon on the Hill, which will improve the facilities and repair the remaining windows. Keep an eye on our website for updates on this.