More Shrewsbury

We continued our wander on a Darwin Theme.

The Quantum Leap was designed to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin in 1809. The Sutton Coldfield Architects Pearce and Lal designed it and it is 12m high and 17.5m long and weighs 113 tonnes as it is made out of concrete. It is said to be dinosaur bones, DNA or a backbone. Locals however call it the 'Slinky'!

The Lion on Wyle Cop is an old coaching Inn, part of which was late 15th Century. Its claim to fame is that this is where Charles Darwin caught the coach to join the Beagle, and the rest is history. When Fitzroy asked if he wanted to accompany the trip Darwin's father refused as he wanted him to settle down. Charles asked his uncle Josiah Wedgewood to intercede on his behalf, and he did so. His place had been offered to another person, but luckily Fitzroy had received his apologies. When he came back from the round the world trip he came here on his first night before returning home early in the morning.

St Alkmund's Church was founded about 900 so is over 1100 years old.

Inside the east window is a marvel It was inserted in 1795 and is one of the few works by Francis Eginton of Birmingham. He was commissioned to paint a window for £150. He told the church wardens that he could provide nothing of note for that sum, but if they increased it to £200 he would be able to supply a great piece. In the end he was over budget at £220 10s. The Church Wardens were so impressed that they gladly paid. It is really beautiful

Not far away is St. Mary's that is no longer used for worship but is under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. The main stained glass is this depiction of the Jesse Tree. It was supposed to have been installed in the Franciscan Church Greyfrairs in the town. At the dissolution by Henry VIII about 1536/1541 it was moved to the old St. Chad's church. When that buildings tower collapsed it was saved and installed here in 1792. It was much restored in 1858 but much of the original glass from 1327 and 1353 remains.

Been of a nautical bent I do love a maritime memorial and this one to Admiral Benbow, so far from the sea was impressive.

The oak carved ceiling in the nave is stunning and was created in the 15th Century. There are birds, animals and angels depicted.

I loved this aspect of Windsor House. It was built in the late 18th Century as three stories as a house, but is now offices.

The Bronze sculpture was designed by Henry Mountford and is raised on a polish granite plinth with two steps it was cast by Board and Son. It has always been in this position. Darwin lived 1809 to 1882 and the statue was erected in 1897. Public subscription did not cover the full amount of the fees so the Shreswbury Horticultural Society paid the remainder, at least £1000.

The statue of Darwin is outside the old Shrewsbury School. The school was founded in 1552 but these buildings at Castel Gates were constructed in 1630. They include a chapel, dormitories, library and classroom. The school stayed here until moving to Kingsland in 1882.