St Mary's Church, Stockport

St Mary’s Church stands on Churchgate in Stockport, overlooking the market place. It is the oldest parish church in the town and holds Grade I listed status. The church belongs to the Diocese of Chester and serves as an active Anglican place of worship. A church has occupied the site since at least 1190. The present chancel dates from the early 14th century under rector Richard de Vernon.

The church’s architecture reflects several centuries of change. The chancel, built of local red sandstone in the decorated style, survives from the 1306–1320 period. The nave and tower were rebuilt between 1813 and 1817 by Lewis Wyatt in perpendicular style using Runcorn sandstone. The tower itself originated in the 14th century and was rebuilt in the 17th and early 19th centuries. Further restorations took place in 1848 and 1882 to repair weather damage.

Inside, the chancel roof remains its original timber structure. The sanctuary contains a double piscina and a triple sedilia, along with a damaged effigy of Richard de Vernon. Notable monuments include works by Sir Richard Westmacott and others from the 18th and 19th centuries. The church also has a ring of ten bells, seven cast in 1817 and three in 1897. Outside, a Wyatt-designed gateway and a nearby drinking fountain share Grade II* listing, while the former rectory now operates as a pub.