On Saturday evening, over 300 people gathered for a stunning light display and lantern parade at Much Wenlock Priory, marking the 60th anniversary of the historic site's transfer from Wenlock Estates to English Heritage's custodianship.
The event, which offered free access to the Priory grounds, was an opportunity for the local parish church of Holy Trinity to engage with the wider local community. Revd Matthew Stafford, who planned the celebration in partnership with local civic organisations, English Heritage, and leaders, explains: "This celebration shows the joy to be found in churches being part of community life. Working in partnership with English Heritage, Wenlock Estates, and our local civic leaders, we're not just preserving history – we're creating new memories and strengthening the bonds that make Much Wenlock such a special place to live and work. The priory holds a special place in my heart, where I often come to pray in peace and catch the sacred shadows.”
It is well documented that ancient places of worship like Much Wenlock Priory, which hold centuries of prayers within their walls, create what many describe as 'thin places' – this is where the boundary between heaven and earth seems especially transparent. Matthew adds: “I hope that those who came on Saturday felt a small nudge beyond the joy of the celebration and might be encouraged to explore further, as the Religious Community of Cluniacs were very much committed to spiritual renewal.
During the event, a slide show was projected from the church tower and included some inspirational imagery and quotes, including one which read: 'Faith is seeing light with your heart when all your eyes see is darkness.' Matthew explains; “I love these words and wanted to use them as a reminder to those present on Saturday night that as we approach Advent, God is with us. The light of Christ is very much in the spiritual DNA of Much Wenlock, as it has been a place made sacred by lives and prayers for well over 1300 years.” The visitor records are a testament to this, as many of the visitors and pilgrims who come to Wenlock Priory, regardless of where they are on their journey of faith, often describe a sense of the spiritual DNA in the comments they leave. This greatly encourages Matthew and others in the church team that their work and prayers have a wider unseen impact.
The partnership between the Parish Church and various community organisations ensured the event's success, with local church volunteers working alongside community members and English Heritage volunteers to coordinate the evening. The illuminated pathways through the Priory grounds created a magical atmosphere, and the light display in the grounds was a spectacular show, connecting past and present as families walked where monks once trod.
The celebration marked a significant milestone in the Priory's history, commemorating the forward-thinking decision by Wenlock Estates in 1964 to transfer the Priory's custodianship to English Heritage, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Matthew observes: “An encounter with the church on such a joyful and welcoming occasion reminds everyone, whether regular worshipper or occasional visitor, that the good news is an offer to all. Our next big community focus for Holy Trinity church is our Advent Crib Fest and Christmas Services.”
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