St Michael's Church, also known as St Michael and All Angels, stands on a small rise overlooking Big Mere in the village of Marbury, Cheshire East. The church is a Grade II* listed building. (
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St Michael's is an active Anglican parish church in the diocese of Chester, the archdeaconry of Chester and the deanery of Malpas. Its benefice is combined with those of St Chad, Tushingham, and St Mary, Whitewell.
A timber, wattle and daub church was present on the site in 1299. The current church dates from the 15th century, the first incumbent being registered in 1530. The church was a parochial chapel annexed to Whitchurch until 1870, when it became a perpetual curacy.
The chancel was added in 1822 by Sir Jeffry Wyatville.
In 1891–92, the church was restored by Douglas and Fordham, the organ chamber was added, the plaster roof was replaced with carved oak panelling, and oak furnishings were added.
The church is built in red sandstone with a slate roof. Its plan consists of a perpendicular style tower at the west end, a three-bay nave with a clerestory, north and south aisles, a chancel with vestry to the north, and a south porch.
It has two string courses which are decorated with carvings of animals and flowers and there are many gargoyles depicting images such as monkeys, twins, smiling faces and grotesque faces on the exterior of the church.
Source: (
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The sandy soil of the area is causing subsidence and in 1999 the tower was recorded as being 25 inches (64 cm) from the vertical.
In the tower are charity boards, including a circular one dated 1777, and bell ringing records. There is a ring of six bells. Four of these are by Rudhall of Gloucester, three being dated 1719, the other 1790. The other bells were cast by John Warner and Sons in 1864 and 1892.
Bell 1 – 1864 – John Warner & Sons
Bell 2 – 1719 – Abraham II Rudhall
Bell 3 – 1719 – Abraham II Rudhall
Bell 4 – 1790 – John Rudhall
Bell 5 – 1719 – Abraham II Rudhall
Bell 6 - 1892 - John Warner & Sons
The bells are rung from the ground floor of the tower and the bell ropes can be seen in the tower.
Source: Dove's Guide For Church Bell Ringers - (
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Felstead Database lists 28 valid peals for St Michael's Marbury. (
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