Church of the Holy Cross

About

The Church of the Holy Cross is the Church of England parish church of Ilam, Staffordshire, England. It is within the grounds of Ilam Park. The church is a Grade I listed building, and has been since 1967.

History: Although it is almost certain that there was both a settlement and church in Ilam in the 11th century, neither were recorded in the Domesday Book. The church likely dates from the 11th century. During the 13th century, it was partially rebuilt, and the building was extended both in 1618 and, later, in 1831. In the years 1855 and 1856, Sir George Gilbert Scott restored the church.

A shrine to Beorhthelm of Stafford (also called St Betram, St Bertram or St Bertelin) was established, after his death in the 8th century, at his grave. An altar tomb, which dates from either the 13th or 14th century, now marks the site of the shrine. The tomb has special openings in its sides that are known as foramina, which allowed pilgrims to touch or kiss a relic. People often put injured limbs through the openings in the hope that they would be healed. The shrine became a popular pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages, and some pilgrims still visit it. The chapel...