St Edith's Church, Shocklach

Coordinates: 53°02′45″N 2°50′56″W / 53.0459°N 2.8490°W / 53.0459; -2.8490
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

St Edith's Church, Shocklach
Style
Norman
Groundbreakingc. 1150
Completed1926
Specifications
MaterialsRed sandstone, slate roof
Administration
ProvinceYork
DioceseChester
ArchdeaconryChester
DeaneryMalpas
ParishShocklach
Clergy
Vicar(s)Rev Jane Stephenson
Laity
Reader(s)David Black
Norman doorway

St Edith's Church, Shocklach, stands at the end of an isolated lane running toward the

Anglican parish church in the diocese of Chester, the archdeaconry of Chester and the deanery of Malpas. Its benefice is combined with that of St Mary, Tilston.[3]

History

The church was built probably about 1150 by Thomas de Shocklach. As the church is dedicated to Saint

baptistry between two buttresses.[2] The ceiling was added in 1813 and the belfry was built in 1815. Victorian restoration was carried out in 1878 when a new wooden floor was inserted, raising its level by some 12 inches (30 cm) to 18 inches (46 cm). The churchyard was extended in 1905, and again in 1922.[4] In 1926 the vestry was rebuilt to the north of the chancel.[2] During a restoration in 1974 a semicircular window was added to the west wall. To celebrate the 2000 Millennium, a new stained glass window designed by the pupils of Shocklach Primary School was installed in the north wall of the nave.[4]

Architecture

Exterior

St Edith's is constructed in blocks of red

bellcote containing two bells, and on the gable at the east end is a cross finial.[2] On the outside of the north wall is a weathered carving. It is not known what this represents, but "it is typical of restoration after the Civil War".[4]

Interior

The nave has a curved plaster ceiling with plaster rosettes.

George III dated 1760 and a hatchment to the Purleston family.[2] A pane of glass, formerly from the east window is preserved in a frame to the left of the organ. On it is scratched "I, Robert Aldersey, was here on 1st day of October 1756 along with John Massie and Mr Derbyshire. The roads were so bad that we were in danger of our lives".[4] The parish registers date from 1538 and the churchwardens' accounts from 1725.[5]

Incorporated into the north wall at its west end is a carved stone, measuring about 12 inches (30 cm) square. It is

Viking origin.[7]

External features

In the churchyard is part of a medieval red sandstone cross. The square base has four steps and on it rests an octagonal shaft which was replaced or recut in 1896. The head of the cross is missing. It is a Grade II listed building,[8] and a scheduled monument.[9] The churchyard also contains the war grave of a Royal Field Artillery soldier of World War I.[10] The hay meadows belonging to the church are a Site of Biological Importance.[4] Outside the churchyard is a restored stable dating from about 1700.[11]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Historic England, "Church of St Edith, Church Shocklach (1228322)", National Heritage List for England, retrieved 13 May 2012
  2. ^ Shocklach, St Edith, Church of England, retrieved 15 October 2009
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Hodgson, Rev. Edward E., St Edith's Church, Shocklach, St Edith's Church, Shocklach
  4. ^
    OCLC 719918
  5. ^
  6. ^ Historic England, "Medieval cross in St Edith's churchyard, south of church, Church Shocklach (1228350)", National Heritage List for England, retrieved 13 May 2012
  7. ^ Historic England, "Standing cross in St Edith's churchyard, south of church, Church Shocklach (1018076)", National Heritage List for England, retrieved 13 May 2012
  8. ^ PARKER, G, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, retrieved 3 February 2013
  9. , retrieved 5 July 2010

External links