Byley-cum-Less: St John the Evangelist
Diocese of Chester
Church, 609115
http://www.middlewichparishchurch.org.ukOverview
Grid reference: SJ 722 692
The church was built as a commissioners church. The building was begun in 1846 and was dedicated to St John the Evangelist on 14th October 1847. The church is a brick building with stone facings and buttresses. The tower is built in the Norman style and contains one bell (brought from St Peter’s Church, Chester and inscribed with the date 1588). There is a clock on the tower which is dedicated to the service men from the village who gave their lives during the First World War. The church building is listed Grade II. The building is attributed to John Matthews but records are inconclusive. The Victorian furnishings include: altar, communion rails, pulpit, lectern, organ, font and pews. Communion plate and registers are kept in the vestry wall safe.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 132 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
The ecclesial parish of Byley-cum-Leese was formed in 1867 out of the surrounding parishes of Middlewich, Davenham, Sandbach and Lower Peover. In the same year the Rectory was completed.(This has now been sold into private hands and the parish is overseen by the Rector of Middlewich.) The village school was then built nearby and opened in 1874, and is still open as a primary school today. In 1939 at the outbreak of the Second World War the Ministry of Defence created a new airfield near the village. It was the base for 96 Fighter Squadron. There are 18 war graves in the church yard for the men of this unit who lost their lives in service. In 1952 two alterations were made to the church building. Stained glass windows depicting the life of Christ were installed at the east end of the church. A new extension to the vestry was also constructed on the south side of the building. A church hall had been built in 1922 but to mark the millennium the village community in partnership with the church worked together to build a new village hall and carpark on a plot of land adjacent to the church. This excellent village facility was opened in 2000 and is very well used.
Exterior Description
The church building is listed Grade II and was constructed in 1847 of brick, with stone facings. It has a Norman style clock tower which contains a 16th century bell (1588). The church retains most of its internal Victorian features and furnishings. The chancel was tiled in 1893 and the pipe organ added in 1908. Two significant alterations were made in 1952: - The east window was replaced with a new stained glass window depicting the life of Christ. - The vestry on the south side of the church building was extended. Outside, in the church yard, there are 18 war graves dedicated to servicemen form the nearby airbase who lost their lives during the Second World War.
Churchyard
Grid reference: SJ 722 692
Burial and War Grave Information
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
The churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
There are no records of National Heritage assets within the curtilage of this site.
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | No |
| Solar Thermal Panels | No |
| Biomass | No |
| Wind Turbine | No |
| Air Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ev Charging | No |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
Sources
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