The Church of St Mary the Virgin, Shipley

The Church of St Mary the Virgin is a medieval sandstone structure in Shipley characterized by an axial tower and walls about 3 meters (10 feet) thick. The building contains a nave, a north aisle, a vestry, and a south porch that form its main spaces.

The church was constructed around 1150 by the Knights Templar after receiving the land in 1139 from the Dean of Lincoln. The eleven-year gap between the land grant and construction reflects the planning that went into building this substantial structure.

The church serves as a gathering place where the community comes together for worship and celebration throughout the year. Local musicians perform regularly, keeping the space alive with music and shared traditions.

The church sits on Red Lane in Shipley and can be reached by car with parking available along the street nearby. Visitors planning to attend services should note that weekday worship offers a quieter setting than weekends.

The churchyard holds the grave of composer John Ireland, marked by two prehistoric sarsen stones that stand out in the burial ground. A medieval bollard from an old river dock site sits in the grounds, reminding visitors of the area's former connection to water transport.