Historic church to host open weekend with harvest flowers

St. Mary's is a living church with three services held each Sunday. The church is also one of Cheshire's hidden gems and we would like to welcome you to our annual Open Weekend.

During the last fifteen years, St Mary's has undergone much restoration which has left the Church looking better than ever. The Church is grade 1 listed and dates from the 14th century, although it is believed the site has been used for religious gatherings from pre-Christian times. A yew tree in the Church yard is dated at least 1200 years old and the circular shape of the Church yard, best seen from the air, would suggest pagan origins.

The tower has been restored and re-pointed, the bells re-hung, and the clock has had a complete refurbishment. Pain staking cleaning and restoration of all the heraldic shields in the church has also been undertaken, together with a full restoration of the Stanley Pew. In some cases eight layers of discoloured varnish were removed from the shields revealing the original freshness of the 19th century painting. The Stanley Pew is of special historic interest being the ecclesiastical equivalent of an opera box. This refurbishment concluded with a complete restoration and enhancement of the 1875 William Hill organ.

During the Open Weekend on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September the Church will be open for viewing and or tours and the Mausoleum will also be open. There will also be an opportunity to view an extensive local history exhibition. This unique collection covers every aspect of Nether Alderley life – the people who lived there, the farms and houses they lived in, the church, the old school and the Lords of the Manor, the Stanley family.

It also includes the St.Mary's Births, Marriages and Deaths records and two very early census records of 1811 and 1821. (The first national census wasn't carried out until 1841).

The church has embraced the 21st century by also digitally recording all the parish records, dating back to 1629, which are available for sale.

The Church will be open from 10.00am – 5.00pm on the Saturday and from 11.00am – 5.00pm on the Sunday. Throughout the weekend, refreshments will be available, including light lunches and afternoon teas.

For further details please visit our website: www.stmarysalderley.com or contact Mrs Jenny Youatt on 01625 585226.

Member post by Jenny Youatt.

Tags:
Nether Alderley, St Mary's Church
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