St Mary's Church, Tilston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary's Church, Tilston |
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St Mary's Church, Tilston
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| OS grid reference | SJ 457,506 |
| Location | Tilston, Cheshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* |
| Designated | 1 March 1967 |
| Architect(s) | John Douglas |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic, Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1879 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Red sandstone, tile roof |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Tilston |
| Deanery | Malpas |
| Archdeaconry | Chester |
| Diocese | Chester |
| Province | York |
St Mary's Church is a beautiful old church located in a quiet spot just south of Tilston, Cheshire, a village in England. It is a very important building, officially listed as a Grade II* listed building. This means it has special historical or architectural value.
The church is still active today. It is an Anglican parish church, which is a local church that serves a specific area. It is part of the diocese of Chester. The church also works together with St Edith's Church in Shocklach.
Contents
A Look Back: The Church's Story
There was a church on this spot even before the current one. Records show a list of rectors (the main priests) here all the way back to 1301.
The oldest part of the church you see today is its tower, which was built in the 15th century. That's over 500 years ago! A special chapel on the north side, known as the Leche Chapel, was added in 1659.
Most of the rest of the church was rebuilt much later, between 1877 and 1879. This big project was led by a famous architect named John Douglas. He rebuilt parts like the chancel (the area around the altar), the vestry (where clergy prepare), and the roof over the nave (the main part of the church where people sit).
What the Church Looks Like Outside
St Mary's Church is built from red sandstone, which gives it a warm, earthy color. It has a roof made of tiles that slopes steeply.
At the west end of the church, you'll find the tall tower. It has three main sections and a battlemented top, which looks like the top of a castle wall. The tower has strong corner buttresses (supports). There's a doorway and a large window on the west side. Windows for the bells are on all sides of the top section.
The main entrance to the church is now through the north porch. The old south door was closed off. Inside the north porch, you can see a curved wooden beam. This beam came from an old gallery (a raised seating area) that was taken down in 1879. It has the coat of arms of Peter and Ann Warburton and is dated 1618.
Stepping Inside the Church
Inside the church, you'll find some very old pieces. The rails around the altar are from 1677, and the holy table (the altar itself) is from around the same time. The pulpit (where sermons are given) has eight sides and is in an early Georgian style.
Most of the stained glass windows were put in during the 1800s. However, some pieces of painted medieval glass (from the Middle Ages) are still there.
The church has a set of six bells. The original four bells were cast in 1672 and 1678. These were later recast and two more were added in 1924, making a full ring of six. They were installed in 1925.
The church's parish registers, which record births, marriages, and deaths, go back to 1558, but some parts are missing. The churchwardens' accounts, which track church finances, start from 1688.
A clock was put in the tower in 1750. It has the name "Joseph Smith Chester Fecit" (meaning "made by Joseph Smith Chester") and the names of the churchwardens at the time, John Barker and John Jones.
Outside the Church: Interesting Finds
In the churchyard, you can find a sundial. It has an eight-sided pole on the base of what used to be an ancient cross. The top part of the sundial is very detailed.
The gates, the gate posts (called piers), and the churchyard wall on the west side of the church are also important. They are listed as Grade II buildings. On the west side of the gate posts, you can see the date 1687 and the initials "LP" and "LL". On the south side, there are skull and crossbones symbols. On the east side, you'll find the Latin phrase Memento Mori, which means "remember you must die." This was a common reminder in older times.
The churchyard is also the resting place for two soldiers who died in the World Wars. One fought in World War I and the other in World War II.
See also
- Grade II* listed buildings in Cheshire West and Chester
- Listed buildings in Tilston
- List of church restorations, amendments and furniture by John Douglas
Images for kids
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St Mary's Church Clock, Makers Plate
