Nominal: 817 Hz Weight: 1031 lbs Diameter: 38" Bell 1 of 6
Founded by Thomas & James Bilbie 1796
Dove Bell ID: 7160 Tower ID: 12289 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Weaverham: St Mary the Virgin
Overview
Grid reference: SJ 616 742
For over 1000 years, the people of Weaverham have worshipped here at this Church, dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin, built of local red sandstone, over-looking the winding River Weaver valley from which Weaverham takes its name. There have been 3 Churches on this site. Extensive alterations and enlargements took place in the 16th century and the Church is largely of that period. The west tower dates from the middle of the 15th century and the rest of the church from the 16th century.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 595 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
There have been 3 Churches on this site. The first was Saxon and this was substantially built, for it existed in 1277 when King Edward I built the Abbey of Vale Royal. Unfortunately, there is no trace of this early Church.
The second Church was built between 1281 and 1360. The Church was long and narrow, with a Priest's vestry, approached by a door, now blocked up on the South side of the high Altar. The tower is the oldest part of the present Church. It was originally 6 ft. higher and with spire.
Extensive alterations and enlargements took place in the 16th century and the Church is largely of that
period.
Restorations were carried out in 1855 by Anthony Salvin, and in 1877 by John Douglas, when the porch and vestry were added.
Exterior Description
The church is built in red sandstone ashlar with a Welsh slate roof. The plan of the church consists of a tower at the west end leading to a five-bay nave and chancel with no architectural division, and north and south aisles terminating in chapels. The church is wider at its west end than at the east end. The chapel at the east end of the south aisle is the Wilbraham (formerly Grange) chapel and that at the east end of the north aisle is the Heath (formerly Crowton) Chapel.
The tower is the oldest part of the present Church. It was originally 6 ft. higher and with spire. It is embattled, has diagonal stepped buttresses at its corners and reticulated tracery (decorative open patterns in the stonework at the heads of Gothic windows) with a Tudor hood. It has 4 string courses (projecting horizontal length of masonry), and gargoyles protrude at the angles together with carved heads. The arms of the Warburton family can be seen carved on the south face.
Interior
Interior Description
Both chapels contain memorials to local families, and both chapels have screens dated 1636.In the chancel is an 18th-century chandelier. The octagonal font stands on a plain column and has an ornate Jacobean wooden cover.The chancel panelling has linenfold carving. The altar table is by Chippendale and has cabriole legs and claw feet. The altar rails, originally in the church, were moved to become the back staircase of Hefferston Grange, but have now been restored in the church. The parish chest is early Georgian. The sanctuary chairs come from the William and Mary period.The sidesmen's pew re-used wood from the previous three-decker pulpit which was dated 1774.In the church is a stained glass window presented by John Douglas to commemorate his parents and his sisters.The two-manual organ was made by Walker in 1951. There is a ring of six bells. Two bells dated 1718 are by Abraham Rudhall II, two dated 1796 are by Thomas & James Bilbie and the other two dated 1875 are by Mears & Stainbank of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry.The parish registers begin in 1576 and the churchwardens' accounts in 1630.
Fixtures and fittings
Clock
Bells
Nominal: 1381 Hz Weight: 524 lbs Diameter: 27.5" Bell 2 of 6
Founded by Thomas & James Bilbie 1796
Dove Bell ID: 44587 Tower ID: 12289 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 1224 Hz Weight: 550 lbs Diameter: 29" Bell 3 of 6
Founded by Abraham II Rudhall 1718
Dove Bell ID: 44588 Tower ID: 12289 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 1091 Hz Weight: 642 lbs Diameter: 30.25" Bell 4 of 6
Founded by Abraham II Rudhall 1718
Dove Bell ID: 44589 Tower ID: 12289 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 1032 Hz Weight: 629 lbs Diameter: 31" Bell 5 of 6
Founded by Mears & Stainbank 1875
Dove Bell ID: 44590 Tower ID: 12289 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 918 Hz Weight: 697 lbs Diameter: 33.75" Bell 6 of 6
Founded by Mears & Stainbank 1875
Dove Bell ID: 44591 Tower ID: 12289 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: SJ 616 742
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.
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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