St Mary's Church, Nether Alderley

St Mary's Church is a sandstone structure with a slate roof located at the edge of the village, featuring a prominent tower built in 1530. The interior displays Gothic architectural elements combined with modifications made during the 1850s, creating layers of different periods within a single building.

The structure was built around 1350 and has stood in the village for nearly 700 years. A major renovation of the interior choir space took place in the 1850s when the Stanley family funded the work, reshaping how the east end of the building appeared.

The Stanley family left a mark on this space through intricately carved pews dating to the 1600s that remain part of the interior. A 14th-century font shows exceptional craftsmanship and stands as one of the finest examples of its kind in the surrounding area.

The church sits at the end of a village lane and is straightforward to locate and access. Visitors should check opening times before arriving if they wish to see the interior, as access depends on service schedules and special events.

An ancient yew tree in the churchyard has stood for roughly 1200 years and remains a distinctive feature of the grounds. A forgotten crypt beneath the building was rediscovered containing six stone coffins belonging to members of the Stanley family from centuries past.

Location: Nether Alderley

Inception: 14 century

Architects: Sharpe, Paley and Austin

Architectural style: English Gothic architecture

Made from material: sandstone, stone slate

Website: http://stmarysalderley.com/home.htm

GPS coordinates: 53.28200,-2.23890

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:40