St Mary's Chapel, High Legh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary's Chapel, High Legh |
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| OS grid reference | SJ 701 839 |
| Location | High Legh, Cheshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| History | |
| Status | Former parish church |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* |
| Designated | 5 March 1959 |
| Architect(s) | John Oldrid Scott |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic, Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1884 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Ashlar stone with tiled roof |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Chester |
| Province | York |
St Mary's Chapel is an old Anglican church building in the village of High Legh, Cheshire, England. It used to be a parish church, which means it was the main church for the local area. This chapel is very special and is listed as a Grade II* listed building, meaning it's an important historical place.
Contents
A Look Back: The Chapel's Story
The chapel was first built around 1581. It was a "chapel of ease," which means it was a smaller church for people who lived far from the main parish church. High Legh became its own separate parish in 1817.
In 1973, the parish was changed again. The nearby St John's Church became the main parish church. The old hall that the chapel was connected to has been taken down.
The chapel has been fixed up and improved several times. In 1836, it had a "restoration," which means it was repaired and updated. Another restoration happened in 1858, led by a famous architect named William Butterfield. The chancel, which is the part of the church near the altar, was added in 1884. This part was designed by John Oldrid Scott.
What Does the Chapel Look Like?
Outside the Chapel
The chapel is built from smooth, cut stone called ashlar. It has a roof made of tiles. The building has a main area called a nave with side sections called aisles, and the chancel at the east end.
At the front (west side) of the chapel, there's a central entrance porch. This porch has decorative columns called pilasters. Above the porch, there is a large window with three sections. On each side of the porch, there are two-section windows. These windows are in a style called Perpendicular Gothic, which was popular in England.
On the very top of the front wall, called the gable, there's a square tower that holds a single bell. At the back (east side) of the chapel, there's a large window from the 1800s with four sections, also in the Perpendicular style.
Inside the Chapel
The ceiling inside the chapel has special plasterwork from the 1800s called pargeting. This decoration includes designs like Tudor roses, fleurs de lys (a French lily symbol), and stars.
The wooden benches, called pews, in the main part of the church were made in 1858 by William Butterfield. The wooden panels on the lower part of the walls, known as wainscotting, and the screens were added in 1884 by J. Oldrid Scott.
Special Things Outside
To celebrate the year 2000 (the start of the third millennium), a special carved stone was placed in the chapel's grounds.
See also
- Grade II* listed buildings in Cheshire East
- Listed buildings in High Legh
