Cheadle in Staffordshire
The Location of Pugin's Gem
The church received this unofficial title in honour of its architect Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, a famous neo-Gothic architect who helped Charles Barry with the design of the British Houses of Parliament at Westminster in London.
Pugin Commissioned to Build St Giles by 16th Earl of Shrewsbury
Pugin was commissioned to build St Giles by the 16th Earl of Shrewsbury who lived at nearby Alton Towers, now Britain's largest theme park.
He was asked to design and build a church which would have no rival. Leaflets given to people visiting the famous place of worship say the Earl placed 'unlimited means' at Pugin's disposal to ensure this was achieved.
Work on the church began in 1840 and did not end until 1846 by which time, historians say, the Earl of Shrewsbury's coffers had been diminished by the cost of the project which reportedly exhaused Pugin and damaged his health.
Pugin's Gem Consecrated in 1846
The opening and consecration of St. Giles took place on August 31 1846. A Solemn High Mass was celebrated in the church the following day. Eight carriages brought the Earl, his wife the Countess of Shrewsbury and their guests to the service. Also present were eight deacons, 53 priests, 13 bishops and their chaplains and two Archbishops.
Pugin passed away at the age of just 40, six years after St. Giles was completed. However, he is reported to have found designing the church one of his most fulfilling projects and is quoted as saying: "Cheadle perfect Cheadle, my consolation in all my afflictions."
The beautiful interior of St Giles is a place of worship for around 500 Mass-goers each week. It is open daily to allow visitors to enjoy this first class example of Pugin's heritage.
The spire is 200 feet high and towers above other buildings in the town while the main doors which were constructed from English oak and painted in red and gilt depict two lions, part of the Earl of Shrewsbury's coat of arms.
Cheadle's Ancient Market Cross
Cheadle's ancient Market Cross stands in the town's High Street at the top of a hill leading down to St. Giles. There are a number of tea shops in the street where visitors can enjoy refreshments but The Summerhouse allows diners to enjoy the view of the church from the Market Cross which has changed comparatively little since Pugin's Gem was first constructed.
The town is the venue for an open air market every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and Alton Towers is just 15 minutes away.
The impressive doors of St. Giles Church, Cheadle
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Travel
Latest Articles