CheshireBUNBURYStBoniface(michaelgarlickCC-BY-SA2.0)1 MichaelGarlick

St Boniface

Although there has been a church here since Saxon times, much of the story of Bunbury's church revolves around a colourful 14th century knight called Sir Hugh de Calveley.

Bunbury, Cheshire

Opening times

Open during daylight hours.

Address

Wyche Road
Bunbury
Cheshire
CW6 9PN

Sir Hugh was said to be seven feet tall, with the appetite of two men and the fighting ability of 10. His tomb and effigy are in the church, still surrounded by the original spiked railings, eight of which were made to hold candles. He founded a college and chantry here in 1386 after a life spent as a fighting soldier, during which he had gained both fame and notoriety.

Much of the church was rebuilt or added to in the 15th century, with further subsequent work. Disaster struck in 1940 when an enemy bomber returning from a raid on Liverpool dropped a land mine that seriously damaged the church, including blowing out the windows.

Impassioned fundraising meant that the church was eventually fully restored, and this included new stained glass designed by Christopher Webb in the 1950s. The east window shows modern local scenes with people in 1950s clothes as well as biblical characters and scenes. It is bold, bright and colourful.

There is much else to see in the church, including the brightly painted tomb of Sir George Beeston, a descendant of Sir Hugh de Calveley. Like Sir Hugh, he was a warrior, best known for his role in fighting the Spanish Armada. He died in 1601, and was possibly as old as 101.

In the south aisle is a carved figure of Jane Johnson, who died in 1741. The figure was buried in the churchyard when a Rector took exception to the sculpture's generous figure. It was dug up and rescued in 1882.

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • National heritage here

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Famous connections

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Church of England

Contact information

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