Building record 1168/1/1 - Christ Church, Alsager

In 1789 the Alsager Sisters procured an Act of Parliament which enabled them to build a church and to hold the rights of advowson (1).
Yellow Keuper sandstone. Western tower, nave and apsidal church. Western front: central slightly projecting tower with blank walling to either side.Clasping pilaster buttresses to the corners of the front and the tower. On the tower these raise to a frieze and a pediment. The central double doors have raised an fielded panels and a fanlight. To either side are Tuscan demi-columns supporting a frieze and pediment which has a acroterion block to its top. The clock stage above this has a a round clock face set in a recessed rectanglar panel with an arched top. Above this is the belfry stage which has paired ionic pilasters to the corners and a round-arched louvred belfry opening to the centre with projected keystone and moulded springers, and Y tracery. Nave the south face has 6 bays divided by ashlar pilasters which have moulded springers and hood moulds. Doorway to second bay from left with Tuscan demi-columns to either side supporting a pediment and frieze and enclosing a blank tympanum. The doorway is now blocked with a window to its upper body. The north side: door is to the second bay and not blocked. The eastern end has blank walling to either side of the semi circular apsidal chancel which has three curving bays of similar type to those in the nave and blank half bays nearest the corners. Gallery at west with raised and fielded panelling to the front supported on two monolithic columns. Similar panelling to dado height in the nave and the chancel where it is divided by fluted pilasters and has upper panels and rinceau ornament. Frieze at level of springing windows and coved ceiling (2).

<1> Ormerod, G., 1882, The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester, 3/324 (Book). SCH1389.

<2> Department of the Environment, 1971-2005, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, 1987 (Report). SCH1934.

<3> Pevsner N & Hubbard E, 1971, The Buildings of England: Cheshire, 58-9 (Book). SCH3078.