SJ7560 : Christian symbols in St Mary's east window
taken 1 year ago, near to Sandbach, Cheshire East, England
Sandbach was a town from the 6th century and probably had a church on this site from Anglo-Saxon times although the earliest evidence is c.1200. The parish church, immediately east of the main square, is a fine example of the Perpendicular style, and dates largely from the 15th century. The C13 to C15 arcades are the oldest part remaining.
It was heavily restored in 1847-49 by George Gilbert Scott who extended the chancel and re-faced the exterior walls with new sandstone. The tower (also part of Scott's rebuilding) contains eight bells and is unusual for being open on two sides with a public footpath across the churchyard beneath. Vestries were added in 1930. It has suffered two major fires, in 1894 and c.1985, but was restored each time. The church is listed grade II* (list entry 1330401).
The parish of Sandbach is (as of 2023) in a united benefice with St John's Sandbach Heath, in the Diocese of Chester and Archdeaconry of Macclesfield.