Early English Style

Additions were made to the church – a moulded south doorway and a two-bay chancel  in the Early English style as Ludlow prospers thanks to the wool trade and manufacture of cloth. 

From 1250 onwards the Guild of St Mary and St John, commonly known as the Palmers’ Guild , played a major part in the growth of the church. The guild was one of the largest in the country, attracting members from across the West Midlands, Bristol, even London.  It became wealthy through membership fees, donations and bequests.  It owned many properties, was responsible for the grammar school and the almshouses, established a residential college for priests and paid for the choir stalls and many windows including the Palmers’ Window in St John’s chapel