Over 40 people took part in AIG’s visit to St Mary’s in Bowdon. Visiting the different places of worship around Altrincham is a regular feature of AIG’s efforts to encourage its members to learn more about each other’s faith and practices. Rev Dr Andrew Knight, the vicar of Bowdon parish, welcomed us warmly before handing over to Derrick Murdie, the parish archivist.
Derrick’s informative presentation highlighted key stages of the church’s long history. It is probable that a 7th century wooden Saxon structure existed, of which there are no traces. Around that time, as Christianity took hold in Britain, its regions were divided into ‘dioceses’ (pastoral areas overseen by a bishop), Bowdon was one of the first parishes recorded in the Mercia region. Its location offered several advantages: a steady stream of pilgrims, news and trade because of its proximity to a Northern extension of Watling Street; the generous patronage of two local estates (Dunham and Tatton); a high ridge formed from glacial deposits of sand and gravel – both useful construction materials – that also offered visibility.
The doomsday book (1086) records that Bogedone (bow-shaped ‘dun’ or hill), was part of Haimo of Mascy’s estate and boasted a mill, a priest, 2 Frenchmen and a church. In around 1100, the church was rebuilt in stone in the Norman style, and rebuilt again in around 1320 during the reign of Edward II. Further alterations were started in the 16th century, but were interrupted by the reformation. The edifice we see today was completed in 1860 and is the work of architect William H. Brakspear, however it retains some elements of the 16th century church.
The boundaries of the original Bowdon parish were extensive, reaching from the River Mersey to Tatton Park, and from Baguley to Little Bollington. Between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, no less than 16 autonomous parishes were created from within its boundaries. This reflected the substantial population increase caused by Manchester’s thriving industry, and the arrival of the railway. Derrick highlighted a few household names from the estimated 45,000 people buried in the 3 acre cemetery behind the church. The earliest tombstone is dated 1617 and belongs to William Artinstall de Ringey (Ringway).
Derrick drew our attention to the various funerary monuments belonging to the Booth and Grey (of Dunham Massey) families (Stamford chapel), and the striking format of the Brereton family’s (of Ashley Hall) memorial, as well as some of the stained glass windows.
He had also selected 3 important books from the church’s archive to exhibit, including two prayer books dated 1662 and 1669, one of which was opened at the 6th day of the month, showing Psalm 31 [photo: St Mary's Bowdon Psalm for Day6].
Rev Dr Andrew Knight concluded by describing the regular services taking place at St Mary’s. On Sundays there are 4 services, at 8am (traditional), and at 10am 3 services run concurrently: one in the main church (Communion), another (contemporary) at St Luke’s (Bowdon Vale) and a 3rd in the Parish Centre (for families with young children). Evensong is celebrated Sunday evenings, with choral evensong once a month.
After the presentations, we were encouraged to explore the church, Andrew and Derrick remained on hand to answer all our questions.
The striking stained glass window behind the altar was painted by Clutterbuck and depicts the Crucifixion. It shows Christ on the cross (centre), flanked by the two robbers crucified alongside him. At the foot of the cross, on bended knee, is Mary Magdalene and some Roman soldiers.
At the end of the evening the group was offered refreshments provided by a dedicated parish team, during which we met with old and new members of AIG, and continued to ply Andrew and Derrick with further questions.
Sources/further information
Guide to Bowdon Parish Church and the surrounding area produced by Judith Miller and Sue Nichols, 2016 www.bowdonchurch.org/parish-
The history of Bowdon Parish www.bowdonchurch.org/parish-
More stories ‘from the graveyard’ https://
Services and events taking place in Bowdon Parish www.bowdonchurch.org/ (service times, scroll down for events, activities and news)
