Our Lady of Pity

A late church by F.X. Velarde, completed after his death, with many characteristics and details typical of this interesting and significant post-war architect. The design displays more personal and idiosyncratic touches.

The exterior is plain, save for the polygonal campanile with diamond-shaped belfry openings and the bluff apsidal east end. The interior is marked by a succession of low-brick arches, culminating in a sanctuary with carved Pietà by Velarde’s frequent collaborator, Herbert Tyson Smith.

A Mass centre was established at St Michael’s Infants School, Ditherington from around 1945, serving the north of Shrewsbury town.

The Cathedral parish was split in the post-war years, with St Winefride’s church at Monkmoor (to the southeast) opening in 1957 and Our Lady of Pity at Harlescott (to the north) in 1961. Both churches were designed by F. X. Velarde and have many design features in common; following Velarde’s death in 1960, Our Lady of Pity was completed by the F. X. Velarde Partnership. The dedication relates to a fifteenth-century oak Pietà at St Mary Magdalene church, Battlefield, Shrewsbury. It was reproduced in reconstructed limestone for the church by Velarde’s frequent collaborator, Herbert Tyson Smith.

A presbytery was built by the church in 1971. The parish is now served from the Cathedral.

Contact:

Our Lady of Pity Church, 118 Meadow Farm Drive, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 4JY

01743 232296

View Shrewsbury Cathedral Catholic Primary School and Nursery
Shrewsbury Cathedral Catholic Primary School and Nursery

Shrewsbury Cathedral Catholic Primary School and Nursery is a very caring, family school that is well supported by Parents and Governors. The school was rated ‘Good’ at the last Ofsted inspection.

If you are interested in enquiring about a place for your child please contact the school office on 01743 351032 or email: admin@cathedral.shropshire.sch.uk. Visits to the school are most welcome and encouraged.

You can phone and make an appointment to look around the school with Graeme Hawes, Headteacher using the link:

www.shrewsburycathedralschool.co.uk

View St Winefrides
St Winefrides

A fairly late church by F. X. Velarde, with many design characteristics and details typical of that interesting and significant post-war architect. The exterior is plain, save for the square campanile with arched belfry openings and the bluff apsidal east end. The interior is marked by a succession of low-brick arches, and an intact original paint scheme on the ceilings. Velarde-designed fittings include the altar and crucifix.

St Winefride was built in 1956 for the new Monkmoor parish. It was built from designs by F. X. Velarde, who also designed the very similar, later church of Our Lady of Pity, Harlescott.

The church is served from the Cathedral.

Contact: St Winefrides Church, Crowmere Road, Monkmoor, Shrewsbury, SY2 5RA

View Booking the Orchard Cafe and Function Rooms
Booking the Orchard Cafe and Function Rooms

Both the Parish Room and Cafe are available for hire for private functions or meetings.

To book the Parish Room please contact:

Tel 01743 290 000  email: admin@shrewsburycathedral.co.uk

To book the Orchard Cafe Please contact:

Tel: 01743 242 118  email: orchardcafe@ypcevents.com

Community

Our Lady of Pity
Shrewsbury Cathedral Catholic Primary School and Nursery
St Winefrides
Booking the Orchard Cafe and Function Rooms