This Church is currently not open to the public but it is still used for family occasions.  It is hoped that after some renovations that later in the year it will be open for visitors to the Hall.

From the National Trust website:

Situated on a plateau above the gorge of the River Severn, this fine stone house has mullioned and transomed windows, a stunning interior with carved oak staircase and decorated plaster ceilings and oak panelling.

The current house was built in 1535 but there have been Benthalls living on this site since the medieval period. During this time the house has been part of many interesting events from the Civil War to the Industrial Revolution. During the Civil War, the house was seized by the Cavaliers and run as a Parliamentary garrison. The Royalists attacked but they were unsuccessful in retaking the property.

Between 1720 and 1934 the Benthalls lost ownership of the estate, and one of the new custodians George Maw took full advantage of the close proximity to Ironbridge. George Maw and his brother were able to develop their tile business at Benthall because of the clay and coal available in this area. They even used the house as part of their sales technique by laying tiled floors here. The tiled floor in the entrance hall has only recently been rediscovered, because an oak floor had been put on top of it.

In addition, George Maw was a distinguished botanist; he assembled a collection of rare plants from around the world in the garden, including a large collection of crocuses, which can be seen today in the spring and autumn.

As well as the crocuses to see in the garden, there’s also an intimate and carefully restored plantsman’s garden, an old kitchen garden and interesting Restoration church. This is the home of Edward and Sally Benthall.

I have had visitors to stay over the weekend.  I was doing a mad rush round getting the housework done before they arrived on Friday.  I didn’t quite get it finished because they arrived early.  We chatted for a while before ordering a Chinese takeaway for dinner after which we had a small family get together. The get together was in advance of my mum’s official birthday lunch (with family and friends) which followed on from last weeks birthday celebrations.  Following the lunch we took the scenic route (off road rallying springs to mind) to my Mum’s house where we spent the afternoon with her and stayed for tea which she had insisted on doing all by herself!!

We had a lazy start on Sunday and then set out for a ’small’ lunch at Benthall Hall which turned out to be a very interesting place to visit.  I intend to go back when the gardens are more in bloom.  We were also told that the little church next door to the hall will be opening to the public later in the year, which is another reason to go back.  After the visit we returned home for a pre dinner sherry and a roast pork dinner.

I have spent today finishing off those jobs from Friday and reading.  A nice relaxing day