CheshireLOWERPEOVERStOswald(grassrootsgroundswellCC-BY-SA2.0)1 GrassrootsGroundswell

St Oswald

Tucked among a small group of buildings that includes a pub, an old school and cottages is one of England's most ancient timbered churches.

Lower Peover, Cheshire

Opening times

Open all day everyday.

Address

Crown Lane
Lower Peover
Cheshire
WA16 9PZ

The first site of the church is a real pleasure, with the patterned black and white timbered walls contrasting with the 16th century sandstone tower.

The oldest parts of the church date back to the 14th century, which would make it one of the oldest timber framed churches in Europe.

Inside is a brilliant assemblage of timber columns and huge beams. Much of the nave and chancel are 14th and 15th century, while the side chapels date from the 17th century.

Originally, the church was all under one roof, but architect Anthony Salvin gave different parts their own roofs when he restored the church in the 1850s.

Simple 17th century box pews, some with original doors, fill the body of the church. Much older is a wooden chest carved from a single lump of oak, as old as the most ancient parts of the church.

  • Social heritage stories

  • National heritage here

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Captivating architecture

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Car park at church

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Church of England

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Mary & All Saints

Great Budworth, Cheshire

Great Budworth is a very pretty village with houses of many ages and kinds, and at its heart sits St Mary's, a lovely red sandstone church dating mainly from the 15th and 16th centuries, though the Lady Chapel dates back to the 14th century.