Shipton Solers (sometimes spelt Sollers, Solars or Sollars) is named after Simon de Solers who held the manor there in the 13th century and probably founded the church some time before 1236, initially as a chapel dedicated to St. Mary. The present church comprises a simple nave and chancel, with different floor levels as it’s built on sloping ground. Much of the original 13th century fabric survives, but it was reworked in the 15th century with perpendicular windows and a wagon roof. It has no tower, and the small stone bellcote was built c.1818, replacing an earlier wooden one. On the inside, you will find a number of medieval wall paintings.
Originally, Shipton Solers and Shipton Oliffe were two separate parishes, each with its own church, until they were amalgamated in 1871. However, the population was never high enough to support two churches in such close proximity, and as far back as the 17th century both churches were served by the same rector, who would do morning service in one and afternoon prayers in the other. It was not sustainable, and as the more centrally placed St Oswald’s church in Shipton Oliffe had higher attendances, St. Mary’s fell into disuse around 1830.
For 50 years its rectors didn’t bother to hold services, and when the Rev. Charles Pugh was appointed as rector in 1883, he arrived to find it in use as a cow shed – its windows bricked up and trees growing through the roof! He and his wife Catherine lovingly repaired it at their own expense, and in 1884 it was back in use for occasional evening services. It later fell into disrepair again and remained derelict until another patron restored it in 1929-30. Thereafter it was used occasionally, but officially declared redundant in 2005 and signed over to the Churches Conservation Trust. It is a wonderfully atmospheric rustic church, cared for by local residents and usually open to visitors.
Please note the church is on a narrow lane and has no parking. I suggest parking in neighbouring Shipton Oliffe and walking to it from there, but if you really must do it as a cache and dash please be considerate to residents and avoid obstructing the lane and/or people’s driveways.
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