Discovering Claverley
Claverley is a picturesque village in the heart of Shropshire, full of character, charm, and centuries of history. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, Claverley has long been a rural community where heritage, tradition, and neighbourliness go hand in hand.
All Saints' Church
The exact date of when Claverley’s church was built is not known, but it has stood for many centuries as the heart of village life. A major restoration in 1902 uncovered remarkable treasures, a Bayeux-style frieze running across the nave, a dramatic Doom (Last Judgement) painting, Roman remains, and even the foundations of an earlier Saxon church. Today, the church also houses two Saxon fonts—one early Saxon and the other now identified as late Saxon.
The wall paintings have intrigued experts for over a century. In 2018, Dr Marianne Ailes of the University of Bristol gave a talk at Claverley Church exploring their possible links to Charlemagne’s wars in Spain and the Song of Roland. She noted the puzzle of how such a continental story reached medieval Claverley, where it would have circulated only in Latin or French. Other scholars, such as Barrett (2012), have suggested the imagery may also be connected to the Legend of the Holy Cross. An illustrated video talk with transcript can be found online for those who want to explore these theories further.
In the South Gatacre Chapel, you’ll also find the impressive tomb of Sir Robert Broke, Speaker of the House of Commons in 1654, along with his two wives and family.
The Church Yard
Outside in the churchyard, another ancient wonder awaits: a magnificent yew tree estimated to be over 2,500 years old. Older than the church itself, this tree has stood silent witness to generations of village life, from Saxon settlers to present-day parish picnics. It’s a striking symbol of Claverley’s deep roots and enduring legacy.
The churchyard holds another important piece of history. Near the steps to the lower churchyard lies the grave of Thomas Steventon, a soldier who fought at the Battle of Waterloo. His gravestone, though worn, lists several of the other battles in which he served. His is one of only twelve known graves in Shropshire belonging to veterans of Waterloo, making it a site of special significance.
Historic Buildings
Claverley is also home to an impressive collection of historic architecture. According to British Listed Buildings, there are 62 listed entries within the parish. Many of the larger houses proudly carry the title of “Hall,” such as Aston Hall. One particularly notable building is Church House and Upper Church House, originally built as the Parish Workhouse, which adds another fascinating layer to the village’s story.
A Living Community
Over the centuries, Claverley has grown while keeping its strong sense of identity. Families have lived here for generations, and newcomers are always welcomed into the fold. From movie nights to countryside walks, life in Claverley is rich with community spirit.
At the centre of village life is the Village Hall—a warm and welcoming space where neighbours gather, events are held, and memories are made. Whether you’ve lived here for years or are discovering Claverley for the first time, you’ll find a place steeped in history, full of character, and very much alive.
