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Serving the parish of Cheadle, Staffordshire, St Giles' is considered to be the finest of all the churches built by the celebrated nineteenth century architect and designer, A.W.N. Pugin. It was financed by John Talbot (1791-1852), sixteenth Earl of Shrewsbury, who lived nearby at Alton Towers. Begun in 1841 and completed in 1846, St Giles' is of unique importance in the history of the Gothic and Catholic Revival.
St Giles' was a seventh-century French abbot and is often pictured with a doe, an allusion to the story that he once rescued a doe which was being persued by hunters. St Giles' is also the dedication of the medieval parish church of Cheadle, which was rebuilt in 1838.
Dominating the town of Cheadle, the 200-foot, heaven-pointing spire is visible for miles around. At the foot of the tower are the west doors (pictured right), elaborated with two rampant lions. Read more about the exterior of the church here.
This website provides a detailed guide to the church, its history and information about present day mass celebrations. We hope that you find it useful and informative.
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The Church is open every day from 8.00 till around 4pm. On Saturdays, we do not close till after Evening Mass, which finishes at 6.15pm. You are welcome at any time, though please do not wander around during the liturgy and other times of public prayer.Groups are welcome to come, but it is better to ring in advance. We should be grateful NOT to ring asking for the church to be opened when it is closed on the off chance that someone can come to your aid! |
