St Cross Church, Appleton Thorn

St Cross Church stands in the village of Appleton Thorn, Cheshire, on flat land beside the River Mersey. The building is made of red sandstone with a red tile roof and follows the Decorated style of the 14th century. Its plan is shaped like a cross, with a two-stage tower above the centre. There is no aisle along the nave, only three windows on each side. A small oak-framed porch leads into the church on the north side, above which a rose window lights the baptistry at the west end. The church was built in 1886 to designs by Edmund Kirby for Rowland Egerton-Warburton of Arley Hall. Inside, the stained glass in the east window was made by Harcourt M. Doyle in 1970. The rose window above the baptistry was created by Celtic Studios of Swansea in 1986. An organ installed in 1906 by E. Wadsworth cost £220 at the time. Six war graves lie in the churchyard, three from each world war. Visitors enter through the north porch and find a simple nave with plain walls. The chancel is small, with one window behind the altar. The tower above the crossing contains a bell chamber and a clock face on each side. Outside, the churchyard is quiet, with yew and oak trees framing the graves. A Royal Naval ensign from HMS Blackcap hangs inside, recalling the wartime air station once based in the village.