The church was founded and endowed in 1343 by Sir John de Davenport and his son Vivian.[3] Further land was donated by the family in 1370.[6] The belfry was added subsequently; it dates from around 1540.[6] The roof was lowered in 1804.[7]
Restorations were carried out by J. M. Derick in 1850 and William Butterfield in 1871.[1] Derick replaced two-light windows with windows of three lights. Butterfield tidied some of the timbers in the tower.[8] At that time, the existing entrance at the west end was also added.[6] Further restoration was carried out in 1930–31, including renewal of some wall panels, rafters and belfry shingles.[6] A brick extension to the chancel was constructed in the 20th century.[1]
Architecture
Exterior
The timber frame features close studding with a middle rail.[1] It rests on a stone plinth, the infill is rendered brick and the roof is of slate. At the west end is a shingled square tower with a shingled broach spire ending in a weather cock. This is surrounded by lean-to roofed aisles on the north, west and south sides. The tower has a western arched door with a 20th-century door which incorporates 17th-century iron strap hinges.[1] The body of the church consists of a three-baynave with north and south aisles, a two-bay chancel and north and south chapels at the ends of the aisles, and a south porch.[8] The former Principal Historic Buildings Officer for Cheshire County Council described the exterior as "disappointing" and considered that 19th-century alterations "have tended to detract from its external medieval appearance", but noted that "internally it has a great deal of character and interest."[9]
Interior
The timber piers are octagonal in shape. Two damaged stone effigies of 14th-century knights are in the belfry;[8] the heads rest on the Davenport crest, suggesting the figures might depict the church's founders, John and Vivian de Davenport.[6] The pulpit carries a coat of arms and dates from 1620. There are three surviving bells, the oldest being inscribed 'God Save the Queen and Realme 1598'.[6] Other features include an Elizabethan parish chest[3] and an ancient handmade wooden ladder accessing the bell-ringing platform.[1][10] The organ was built in 1894 by A. Worral.[11] The ring consists of six bells, three of which are dated 1598, 1663 and 1758. The parish registers begin in 1563.[7]
Inside the church are traces of some early medieval paintings on the west wall, which were discovered under plaster in 1930.[12] The painting, which probably represents the Last Judgement (a common subject of medieval church paintings), is divided into sections by the timbering. A haloed male figure with long yellow hair at the top right possibly represents Christ, and a haloed kneeling female figure opposite might represent the Virgin Mary. The bottom left panel contains figures with raised hands mainly looking towards the viewer; these possibly represent souls under judgement. Other figures carry items, perhaps instruments of the Passion.[12] Also in the church is an 18th-century oil painting by Edward Penney of Moses and Aaron holding the Ten Commandments.[6]
External features
Square Tower
In the churchyard is a cross dating from the 14th or 15th century which has been subsequently restored. It is listed Grade II.[13] The churchyard also contains the war graves of two soldiers of World War I.[14]
