OS grid reference SJ 997 953 Denomination Anglican Opened 1855 Status Church Designated as world heritage site 1 November 1966 | Country England Dedication St Michael Parish Mottram in Longdendale Diocese Diocese of Chester | |
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Location Mottram in Longdendale,
Greater Manchester Website The Parish of Mottram-in-Longdendale Architectural style English Gothic architecture Similar Werneth Low, Godley - Greater Manchester, St Michael's Cathedral, Skellig Michael, St Michael's Cathedral | ||
St Michael and All Angels Church stands on Warhill overlooking the village of Mottram in Longdendale, Greater Manchester, England. The church is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade II* listed building. It is an active Anglican parish church in the diocese of Chester, the archdeaconry of Macclesfield and the deanery of Mottram.
Contents
History
The earliest evidence of a church on the site is in 1225 when clergy attached to the church were witnesses to local documents. There is a further reference to the church in a taxation document dated 1291. The present church dates from the end of the 15th century. A major restoration took place in 1854–55 by E. H. Shellard, during which the nave roof was raised.
Exterior
The church is built from local stone quarried from Tinsell-Norr in Perpendicular style. The plan consists of a west tower, a five-bay nave with a clerestory, north and south aisles, a two-bay chancel and a south porch. At the east end of each aisle is a chapel. The north chapel is known as the Hollingworth Chapel and the south chapel is the Staley Chapel. The tower is in four stages with angled buttresses, a three-light west window above which is a clock face and two-light belfry openings. In one corner is a stair turret. At the top is a castellated parapet with crocketed corner finials.
Interior
The oldest item in the church is the barrel-shaped Norman font. Above the chancel arch are painted panels containing the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer and Creed, together with a painting of Moses and Aaron. The alabaster pulpit of 1885 is by Harry Hems. The brass chandelier is dated 1755. The stained glass windows include one by Kempe dated 1917.
The Hollingworth Chapel is now used as a choir vestry and meeting room, the organ having been replaced by an electronic instrument in 1998. In the chapel is a white marble monument to Reginald Bretland who died in 1703. The Staley Chapel contains two sandstone effigies which are thought to be those of Sir Ralph Staveley and his wife dating from the early 15th century. There is a ring of eight bells which were cast in 1910 by John Taylor and Company. The parish registers date from 1559 for marriages and burials and from 1562 for baptisms.