Covers Off

St Leonard's  Church in Beoley has an interesting history and links with the Sheldon family.

The Lady Chapel   a substantial building next to the main church is known as the Sheldon Chapel.  It was designed for two purposes:  a place for Catholic worship after the English Reformation and to be a commemorative Chapel to rhe Sheldon family.  It was built bt the third Ralph Sheldon who died in 1613.

The stone (and slate?) Altar pictured here is very special and has been uncovered for this weekend as many visitors are expected for the snowdrop display.  The altar is beautiful.  It is believed to have been consecrated by Pope Gregory XIII and given to Ralph Sheldon in 1580 or thereabouts.

On the window ledge above is a coffin lid with a foliate cross from about 1630.  It was found under the south porch in 1885.