Halston Chapel
Whittington, Shropshire
Privately owned chapel with hatchments important to Shropshire history.
This impressive Grade I listed building features important funerary monuments to members of the two local historic landowning families. The Myddelton Family, former owners of Chirk Castle, and the Trevor family, who still reside on the Brynkinalt estate.
The church is partly built on 11th century Norman foundations with much of the current building completed in the medieval period. The church has an unusual layout. It is double aisled, with no distinct chancel and only a small sanctuary. The north aisle and tower were constructed later than the south aisle. The 500th anniversary of the completion of the tower was celebrated with a world record breaking bell peal in 2019.
Much of the interior, especially the south aisle, is dominated by carved memorials, principally to the Myddelton family. The north aisle roof is decorated with elaborate bosses which are original to the construction of the roof. These interesting coloured wood carvings represent a common medieval art form, and reflect not only Old Testament creatures but also mythological beasts. The castle boss may represent Chirk Castle. Other things worth seeing include a font which bears the initials of the churchwardens and the year 1662, two consecration crosses, and a heart shrine commemorating an unknown 14th century crusader.
There are also a range of stained glass windows featuring events from the gospels including the nativity of Christ and the Adoration of the Maji, the Baptism of Jesus, the Last Supper and the Resurrection. The newest window was commissioned by the Royal British Legion in 1994.
In the churchyard the Trevor Mausoleum may be found. This is a fine example of a neo Norman building, and was built by Arthur William Hill-Trevor, 2nd Baron Trevor and his wife Rosamund in memory of their only daughter Mary Rosamund (Moyra) who died in 1904, aged 5. Inside is a life size white marble sculpture of an angel carrying the child Moyra. Famous historical connections to the church include Mary Maude, the author of the hymn 'Thine forever', who is buried in the churchyard. The Welsh poet RS Thomas served his first curacy here, from 1936 to 1941.