St John the Evangelist's Church, Toft

St John the Evangelist's Church is a Gothic Revival building in Toft featuring rubble stone walls with ashlar detailing and a tiled roof. The structure has a five-bay nave with a southwest tower containing octagonal piers inside.

Mrs Leycester of Toft Hall commissioned this church between 1852 and 1855, designed by William Habershon, as a memorial to her husband. The building was completed during the height of the Gothic Revival movement in England.

French artist Antoine Lusson created the stained glass windows in the chancel, depicting intricate quatrefoil scenes that decorate the interior. These windows add a distinctive visual character to the space.

This building serves as an active Anglican parish church within the Knutsford deanery. Plan visits accordingly as the building may have service times and occasions when access is restricted.

The chancel was designed specifically as a private family space rather than for a church choir. This reflects how the building's initial purpose as a personal memorial shaped its layout.

Location: Toft

Inception: 1855

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Website: https://stjohnsknutsford.org.uk/about-us/toft-church

GPS coordinates: 53.28640,-2.36270

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:42