Church of St Mary the Virgin, Bowdon

Church of St Mary the Virgin is a Gothic Revival church with a four-stage tower supported by diagonal buttresses, featuring clock faces and gargoyles made from pink and red Runcorn sandstone. The structure includes a six-bay nave with clerestory windows, north and south aisles, transepts, and a chancel with an organ loft and vestry.

The church was first recorded during the Domesday Book period and underwent several reconstructions before achieving its current form in 1860. This long history reflects the site's continuous religious importance over many centuries.

The church holds records of christenings, marriages, and burials dating back to 1628 that help local families trace their ancestry. These documents remain important sources for understanding the genealogy of people from the area.

Plan enough time to explore the architecture and interior details, particularly if you are interested in family history research. Access to the archives is typically limited, so check ahead about visiting hours and conditions for viewing historical documents.

The interior contains 16th-century camber beam roofs with detailed carved ornamentation, and houses a medieval tomb bearing the effigy of Sir William Baguley from 1320. This rare combination of craftsmanship and noble memorial reflects layers of local history within the walls.