Gawsworth
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St. Luke
Gawsworth |
| “ No matter from which direction you approach
Gawsworth Church the view before reaching it is one of the most
beautiful in Cheshire, if not England, and the building is worthy
of it’s setting. Immediately in front of the grey fabric are
the silent pools and the lanes leading to it lined by avenues of
limes and sycamores. Grouped around it are 3 equally striking
buildings, the ancient 15th century half timbered rectory, the
picturesque 16th century old hall and the early 18th century new
hall. Indeed it is no exaggeration to say that Gawsworth is the
most enchanting village in Cheshire.” Raymond Richards Old Cheshire Churches published 1947 |
How to find it. Just south of Macclesfield on the A536 which now bypasses the village of Gawsworth. Map Ref 890698 |
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| The
oldest part of the church is the nave which was built in 1430 with
the tower and chancel being added 40 or fifty years later. The
church was more or less built by 1500 and has remained essentially
the same since. Its main features on the fine rafter beam roof which still has traces of the medieval painting. The church was endowed by the Fitton family and in the chancel are group of memorials to them. The church is open but the memorial area of the church is closed and is protected by a modern security system. |
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| Gawsworth has many admirers, Richards above you would
expect for he lived in Gawsworth Hall but Pevsnar says "it is
lovely"(Building of Cheshire - Nikolaus Pevsner) J. Cummings Walters in Romantic Cheshire published 1930 says "no one can come upon Gawsworth without feeling that he has been suddenly transported into a region of enchantment, with it's old fashioned beauty, it's typical 16th century houses and it's peaceful church whose shadows are reflected in the silent pools beneath. This sketch was taken from the his book |
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| Gawsworth Hall is open to the public and is well worth a visit. The house is old but is also a home filled with memories of past centuries. There is also a chapel within the house with beautiful stained glass windows by William Morris. |  |