St James the Great
Ince, Cheshire
St James the Great, dating from the 15th century, sits in the historic village of Ince which is listed in the Domesday Book.
St Lawrence is a Grade II* listed sandstone church located on the edge of Stoak village and also serving the hamlets of Wervin and Great Stanney, together with the adjacent areas of Ring Road and Stanney Oaks. The cruciform church was largely reconstructed in 1827, the tower and transept being totally rebuilt, with the 15th century chancel and nave partly rebuilt. The roof of the nave is mostly the original 15th century and is a good example of hammer beam and arch construction. The church is increasingly used for baptisms, weddings and funerals and is filled to capacity on special occasions. The church is open on Saturdays and welcomes visitors. Future plans include using a Church Army narrow boat to bring young people to the church via the canal and develop St Lawrence as a base for walks in the area. The grant was to help fund a project involving repairs to the masonry of the walls and window surrounds, re-slating the roof and renewing the plaster ceiling and repairs to the structural timbers in the roof.