St Peter's Church, Congleton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Peter's Church, Congleton |
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St Peter's Church, Congleton, from the southeast
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| OS grid reference | SJ 859 628 |
| Location | Congleton, Cheshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Website | Congleton Parish |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | Congleton Team Parish |
| Status | Parish church |
| Dedication | Saint Peter |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Designated | 28 July 1950 |
| Architect(s) | William Baker |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Tower Gothic Body of church Neoclassical |
| Completed | 1840 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Red brick with stone dressings Stone slate roof Stone tower |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Congleton |
| Deanery | Congleton |
| Archdeaconry | Macclesfield |
| Diocese | Chester |
| Province | York |
St Peter's Church is a historic church located in Chapel Street, Congleton, Cheshire, England. It is a very important building, listed as Grade I, which means it's historically special. This active Anglican church is part of the Diocese of Chester. It is also considered one of England's 'best' parish churches.
Contents
History of St Peter's Church
The first church on this site was built in the early 1400s. It was a small chapel made of wood. By 1740, the wooden structure was falling apart.
A new church was then built in a style called Neoclassical. This new building was finished by 1742. The church tower was made taller in 1786, but it kept the lower part of the original 14th-century tower. The architect for this project was William Baker. Later, in 1839–40, the church was made even bigger. A porch was also added at the front.
Exploring the Church's Architecture
Outside the Church
The church is built with red bricks and has stone details. Its roof is made of stone slate. The tower at the west end is made entirely of stone. The church has a main area called a nave and a chancel, plus side sections called aisles.
The tower has a clock and decorative tops called parapets and pinnacles. You can see two carved coats of arms on the western wall. The main door is at the west end and has a porch with Doric columns, which are a classic style of pillar.
Inside the Church
Inside, you'll find galleries on the north, south, and west sides. There are also old-fashioned Georgian box pews, which are like small enclosed seating areas. The pulpit, where sermons are given, dates back to the 1600s. It's special because it used to be in the middle of the main church area, right in front of the altar.
Between the main area and the side aisles, there are square pillars supporting Tuscan columns. The marble font, used for baptisms, is from 1742. A brass candelabrum (a large candle holder) dates from 1748. The reredos, a decorated screen behind the altar, is from 1743. It has panels showing the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Apostles' Creed.
The east window is in a Palladian style, which is a classical design. On either side of it are paintings of Saint Peter and Saint Paul by Edward Penny. You can also see the royal coat of arms of William III from 1702. This is located at the east end of the north gallery.
The only stained glass in the church is in the east window. Part of it, from around 1740, shows the Holy Spirit as a dove. Below this, there is more stained glass from about 1922.
The most impressive memorial inside is a wall tablet for Sir Thomas Reade, who passed away in 1849. This artwork shows a native person kneeling by a palm tree. There are many other wall tablets and monuments from the 18th and 19th centuries.
The church's organ was first built in 1824 and later rebuilt in 1911. The church also has a ring of eight bells. The oldest four bells were made in 1720 and 1757. The other four were made later, in 1806 and 1867.
Outside the Church Grounds
The gates, gate piers (the posts holding the gates), and railings around the churchyard are also important, listed as Grade II. The gate piers are made of stone with decorative sides. The gates and railings are made of wrought iron. Above the main gate, there's a decorative wrought iron archway called an overthrow and a lantern.
The churchyard is also a resting place for eleven British service members who died in wars. Seven of them served in World War I, and four in World War II.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in Cheshire East
- Grade I listed churches in Cheshire
- Listed buildings in Congleton
