Church linked to Welsh poet R. S. Thomas to be sold at Shrewsbury auction

The border church where celebrated Welsh poet and priest R. S. Thomas served as curate-in-charge for two years is to be sold by auction later this month.

The former Church of St Mary Magdalene at Tallarn Green, near Malpas, has a guide price of £80,000 to £100,000 and will be offered at Halls’ 21-lot collective property and land auction in Shrewsbury on Friday, July 24, starting at 2pm.

Thomas, regarded as one of the leading Welsh poets of the 20th century, served at Tallarn Green from 1940 to 1942. He and his wife, artist Mildred ‘Elsi’ Eldridge, then moved to Manafon, near Welshpool, where he became rector of St Michael’s Church from 1942 to 1954.

His first collection of poetry, The Stones of the Field, was published in 1946.

The Grade II listed St Mary Magdalene closed in 2007 following a decline in congregation numbers.

Halls chairman Allen Gittins described the building as possessing ‘great charm and character’ and retaining numerous original features.

“The former church offers immense potential for a range of alternative uses, particularly residential conversion, subject to planning permission, with gardens and a separate grass paddock extending in all to approximately 1.06 acres,” he said.

The present early Gothic-style stone church was begun in 1872, replacing a wooden chapel which had opened in 1851. A clock tower was added in 1888.
Inside is a simple, undivided space comprising a nave, steps to the chancel and sanctuary, and an arched timber roof with sufficient height to make a second floor possible, subject to the necessary consents.

Original fittings include a pulpit, font, pipe organ, choir stalls and stained-glass windows.

“The church could be imaginatively converted into a highly individual home of great style,” added Mr Gittins. ”An unusual feature is the adjoining pasture paddock, which has separate road access and could be used as gardens, a pony paddock or for the provision of a garage, subject to consent.”

Tallarn Green lies approximately five miles from the Cheshire border village of Malpas, with Wrexham, Chester and Shrewsbury all within easy driving distance.

Viewing is by appointment with Halls’ Ellesmere office on 01691 622602 or at ellesmere@hallsgb.com.

Picture: The former Church of St Mary Magdalene, Tallarn Green, near Malpas.