Church Of St Mary

The Church of St Mary is an Anglican church located on High Street in Sandbach. It dates back to the 15th century and was restored between 1847 and 1849 by the architect George Gilbert Scott, who signed his work above the west entrance. The church is constructed of sandstone, which in many areas covers the original masonry. It underwent repairs in 1894-1895 following a fire at the west end, and the choir vestry was added in 1930 by the architectural firm Austin and Paley.

The church features a choir and nave with five bays, along with aisles, side chapels, and a west tower. The choir vestry projects from the northwest and has an open base on three sides that spans a public footpath across the churchyard. The overall architectural style is largely Perpendicular Gothic, with authentic medieval masonry from the 13th and 15th centuries, particularly noticeable in the arcades, especially on the south side.

Notable interior furnishings include a Caen stone font located in the southwest corner of the nave, built in 1859 by Thomas Stringer, alongside a Romanesque stone font opposite. The north aisle features the Leversage Arms in a panelled ceiling from around 1587, along with choir stalls, a pulpit, and a carved Jacobean altar. The church also houses an excellent collection of monuments installed by Scott along the aisle walls. Among these, the marble relief of the Rev. John Armistead, who served as vicar from 1828 to 1865, is particularly noteworthy. This relief was designed by G. F. Watts and sculpted by George Nelson in 1876. For further details, refer to John Minshull's book, 'A Short History and Description of St. Mary's Church Sandbach, Cheshire', revised edition 1990.