St Mary's Church

So much more than just a beautiful collection of buildings, the 14th century Parish Church of St Mary is a treasure trove, steeped in the history and romance of ancient Alderley.

Like all great historic churches, St Mary's owes many of its unique features to the patronage of the local aristocratic family - the Stanleys of Alderley.

St Mary's is a 'living church' in the community but it also attracts many visitors.

It is easy to think St Mary's has achieved its good looks by accident but a measured drawing reveals that each addition has been carefully planned to harmonise with what has gone before, the tower is exactly the same length as the nave.

All the stone was quarried locally on The Edge and the great roofs over the nave and aisles are made of Kerridge slate.

The church has a typical 14th century ground plan which consisted of a broad nave and two side aisles. As typical to other churches in Cheshire the clerestory was added approximately 150 years later.