Robbers Grave 

St Nicholas’ church in the historic town of Montgomery contains a wealth of interesting and beautiful artefacts from the town’s past.  With its original formation dating from the early 13th century, the church can be found on a low hill on the eastern part of the town.  With later additions, including a four-storey battlemented tower and large corner buttresses, the church is an impressive example of a number of architectural styles and ages.

Inside you will find a 15th century rood screen, previously located in Chirbury Priory along with evidence of the town’s close association with the Herbert family from the nearby Montgomery Castle.  You’ll also find a tomb, in the form of a memorial to Richard Herbert of Montgomery Castle.  Richard’s son, George, who was born in Montgomery, was an Anglican priest and poet, whose work was associated with the Metaphysical poets of the 17th century.

The large and rectangular churchyard has a number of ancient trees and an interesting range of memorials.  A walk around the churchyard will also uncover the war graves of two soldiers of World War I and a soldier and two airmen of World War II.  

St Nicholas’ churchyard is also home to the legend of the ‘robber’s grave’.  Here you will find the grave of John Davies of Wrexham who, in 1821 was sentenced to death by hanging for highway robbery.  During his trial, and later after his sentence, Davies professed his innocence and prayed that God would not allow the grass to grow on his grave for at least a century.  His grave can still be seen in the churchyard, and although it is now grassed, it remained uncovered for at least a century after his death.