Tong in Shropshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

St Bartholomew's Church

The Story of Tong

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 19, 2026

1. St Bartholomew's Church Marker

Inscription. The Collegiate Church of St Bartholomew was built between 1410 and 1430 by the owner of Tong Castle, Isabella de Pembrugge. She also built and endowed a college just to the south of the churchyard. The resident priests said mass daily for the soul of her crusader husband to shorten his suffering in purgatory. The original carved oak stalls that they used can still be seen in the chancel. The college was brought to an end by Henry VIII's Dissolution Act of 1536. Centuries later, the castle also fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1954. The site is now partly under the M54.

However, the church has remained almost unaltered and become the final resting place for many other men and women of influence in the kingdom. Their tombs, especially those of the Vernon's, together with the Stanley memorial, are some of the finest to be seen in the Midlands.

The "Golden Chapel" which was added in the early 16th Century is a scaled down replica of Henry VII's chapel in Westminster Abbey.

William Shakespeare is almost certainly the author of two epitaphs which can be seen on the Stanley memorial. Charles Dickens knew the

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building well and used it in his writings. Little Nell's "grave" can be seen in the churchyard. Catherine of Aragon is thought to have prayed here while staying at Tong Castle. Charles I rode past the church with his army during the Civil War. Charles I walked nearby during his famous escape from Cromwell's troops after the Battle of Worcester. During the 18th century the wealthy Durant family owned the estate and rebuilt the castle. You will find more information in and around the church.

Today St. Bartholomew's church stands as a proud memorial to 600 years of history. The building remains, as it has always been, a place of regular worship. The parish includes the communities of Tong village, Tong Norton, Tong Havannah and Neachley, together with a large rural area.

As you visit the church and churchyard, please show respect for so many ordinary and extraordinary characters who have known and loved this place. Please remember them and those who continue to maintain the building as a place of worship.

The church is open during most daylight hours for the enjoyment of its historical treasures as well as for prayer. For details

St Bartholomew's Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 19, 2026

2. St Bartholomew's Church

of the clergy and church wardens serving the church and for times of services, please see the board nearby.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1410.

Location. 52° 39.84′ N, 2° 18.19′ W. Marker is in Tong, England, in Shropshire. It is at the intersection of Newport Road and Friar’s Lane, on the left when traveling west on Newport Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Newport Road, Tong, England TF11 8PW, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands.

It is also on the British Marches.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 3 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Albrighton, home of the English Rose (here, next to this marker); The Story of Tong (within shouting distance of this marker);

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College Field (within shouting distance of this marker); Infirmary Ruins (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Albrighton, home of the English Rose (approx. 3.3 kilometers away).

Also see . . . St Bartholomew's Church, Tong (Wikipedia). (Submitted on September 28, 2026.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 26, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.