St Mary's Church, Tilston

St Mary's Church is an English Gothic building constructed from red sandstone, featuring a three-stage embattled tower with corner buttresses and a steeply pitched tiled roof. The structure underwent substantial reconstruction in the late 1800s while retaining its tower from an earlier period.

The tower originates from the 15th century as the church's oldest section. Architect John Douglas carried out extensive renovations from 1877 to 1879 that transformed much of the building's structure.

The congregation shares this place with St Edith's Church in Shocklach as a unified pastoral community, bringing worshippers from both villages together. Visitors experience traditional Anglican worship practices that have been maintained here for centuries.

The church can be accessed via Church Road in Tilston and is open to visitors interested in its architecture and history. Those wishing to attend services or learn more should reach out to the parish in advance.

The clock mechanism housed in the tower was installed in 1750 and bears the maker's mark of Joseph Smith, a Chester craftsman. The names of the churchwardens from that era are also inscribed on the clock face, preserving their memory.

Location: Tilston

Inception: 15 century

Architects: John Douglas

Architectural style: English Gothic architecture

Website: http://tilstonandshocklachchurch.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 53.04970,-2.81090

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:25