Past Watch Site

Standing within an idyllic, pastoral landscape, the stone exterior of Shobdon Church is deceptively humble compared to its dramatic interior of richly decorated finishes and matching furniture and fittings. Between 1755 and 1758, Sir John Bateman and his uncle, Richard Bateman, demolished all but the west tower of the 12th-century Romanesque church on the site to build a rococo Gothic structure largely influenced by Horace Walpole’s “Committee of Taste.” This parish church has remained virtually unchanged since, though a lack of attention has resulted in significant preservation challenges.

Built for dramatic visual impression, the church’s materials and construction have proven to be unstable in certain areas. The large concealed timbers embedded in the damp masonry have rotted, causing the walls to tip over and the beam ends to give way. Emergency supports were installed, but a comprehensive technical investigation is necessary to mitigate these structural problems. The local community has been an integral advocate in soliciting support and funding from individuals and organizations. However, there remains a great deal of work to ensure long-term stability of the church.