St Mary
Nantwich, Cheshire
Cheshire's finest parish church dates largely from the mid to late 14th century and, like so many Cheshire churches, it is built of sandstone.
St Michael's nestles in the heart of the Cheshire countryside.
It has a recorded history from 1308 but a place of worship has stood here many centuries before. It is one of only a few half timbered churches in the country. On the east wall of the nave is a magnificent timpanum upon which are written the Ten Commandments and tracts from the bible. An unusual three tiered pulpit stands to the side and above us is the ancient Tudor ceiling. There is an early altar rail. There are tombs inside to the Mainwaring family whose predecessors came over with the William the Conquerer. The roof of the nave is a fine example of Tudor woodwork. On the east facing wall is a magnificent stained glass window dedicated to Mary, St Werburgh and St Michael.