A church building has existed on this site since the 12th century. The oldest part of the present building is the tower (rebuilt at the end of the 17th century) - the rest of the building (erected in the middle of the 19th century) is neo-Norman and replaced a buiding described, at the time, as "somewhat ruinous". The pricipal benefactor toward the Victorian rebuild was Josiah Spode III, who lived in the parish at Hawkesyard.

***** STOP PRESS ***** August 2009

While investigating the site of a foundation for a proposed handrail at the chancel step( by drilling a 20mm diameter hole into the floor) a void some 1500mm deep has been discovered. Paul Bowen, the son of a member of the congrgation, is in the Staffordshire Fire Service and he was able to bring two members of the Technical Rescue Unit of the West Midlands Fire Service to investigate the void. Using specialised equipment,(usually used to locate survivable parts of collapsed buildings ) Peter Drummond and Roy Phillips were able to show us that the void is, in fact, a family vault that has been abandoned. It is built in brick, and from the type and style of brickwork, is consistent with being a part of the 1844-6 rebuild. The vault is approximately 15ft north/south and 6ft west/east. On the east wall is a double row of five arched apertures ( 10 in total) that each lead to a horizontal tunnel approximately 6ft in length. Eight of these are empty ; one has what appears to be rubble in it ; and the other is either, boarded-up or, has a plaque fixed over the aperture ( no inscription could be discerned ).

The PCC's next move would be to acquire some high-definition photographs, and would welcome offers from anyone with camera equipment capable of use through the 80mm diameter by 300mm long access hole.

Directions to St John the Baptist parish church, Armitage, WS15 4BA

Walking route Avoid highways

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Calendar of forthcoming services and events

List of all services and events in this benefice

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