St Michael's Church, Shotwick

St Michael’s Church stands in the quiet village of Shotwick, Cheshire, on the Wirral peninsula. Built mainly in the Gothic style, it has a Norman south doorway and a Perpendicular tower dating from about 1500. The churchyard contains several Grade II listed structures, including a 1720 sundial and old tombchests. A combined benefice with St Nicholas, Burton, keeps the church active today. The building is made of New Red Sandstone, with Welsh slate on the chancel and purple tiles on the rest of the roof. The church is worth visiting for its rare surviving features. Its box pews are the oldest on Wirral, some with original locks and keys. A three-decker pulpit and a 1709 churchwardens’ pew survive inside, while 14th-century stained glass remains in some windows. The tower holds six bells, two cast by William Clibury in the 17th century and four by John Taylor & Co in 1938. The churchyard also holds war graves of nine Royal Air Force officers from the First World War. Inside, visitors find box pews lining the nave, a three-decker pulpit, and altar rails from the late 17th or early 18th century. The lectern dates from the late 18th century, and a brass chandelier hangs from the ceiling. The churchyard’s Grade II listed sundial and tombchests add to the quiet interest of the site. The tower’s ring of six bells can still be heard on special occasions.