St Mary's Church, Weaverham

St Mary’s Ecumenical Church stands in the village of Weaverham in Cheshire. It serves as the parish church for Weaverham and Acton Bridge, combining Anglican and Methodist traditions. The building is a Grade I listed structure, recognised for its historic importance. A church has existed on this site since before the Norman Conquest. The west tower dates from the 15th century, while most of the rest of the church comes from the 16th century. The church’s exterior is built from red sandstone ashlar with a Welsh slate roof. Inside, the nave and chancel form a single space, flanked by north and south aisles ending in chapels. The Wilbraham Chapel and Heath Chapel at the east ends of the aisles contain memorials to local families. A Jacobean wooden cover tops the octagonal font, and the altar table was made by Chippendale. The church also holds a two-manual organ built in 1951 and a ring of six bells, some dating back to the 18th century. The churchyard includes fragments of a Roman road and war graves for nineteen Commonwealth service personnel. The interior features linenfold carving on the chancel panelling and a stained glass window by John Douglas. Parish registers begin in 1576 and churchwardens’ accounts in 1630. The church remains an active place of worship, sharing its heritage and community role.