Stoke St Milborough, known in Saxon period as Godstoke, was part of the huge Saxon parish of St Milburga, subject to the minster church at Much Wenlock.
Small dependent chapels were set up within the large parish and Stoke St Milborough (then called Godstoke) may have had one by the 8th century. The tower of the church of St. Milburga is believed to date back to 1250. The Church worth a visit if you have allowed enough time on this walk. There is some great information inside and much to see. Take a look at the church and see the textures of the different stone used to build it, from small layered tiles, to large interesting shapes.
As you exit the church grounds, find your way to the holy well of St Milburga. A small plaque tells her story and the miracles she became known for, including the banishment of seed-eating geese.
The holy well is a piece of registered common land (not all common land has graziers, some are protected by this status for a wider group of beneficiaries, is this case the local residents). The holy well is a spring with an old stone basin, dating back as early as 1321. It was later a common clothes washing place. Stories of its origin were recorded in the mid 19th century, with mention to its miraculous ability to cure blindness.
Notice the strong connections to geese dotted around the Church, engraved into the woodwork inside the church, and on the gate and handrails as you enter the well. How many can you find?