Sir John Chesshyre Library - Books and Archives & St Mary's Church Halton.

You will have an opportunity to look at St Mary's Church, Halton and some old books and treasurers in Halton Village, if not the whole of Runcorn, with permission of the current Vicar of Halton and Library Keeper, The Reverend Simon Skidmore B.D.

St Mary's Church was a chapel to Halton Castle since 1071. The current church was rebuild by Sir Richard Brooke in 1852 and has history with Norton Priory.

The Chesshyre Library was founded in 1733 by Sir John Chesshyre was born in Halton Village and was Queen Serjeant to Queen Anne in 1711 & King's Serjeant to King George I in 1714 & King's Prime Serjeant at Law to King George II. He built the Library for the benefit of the 'Curate of Halton Chapel' (subsequently the Vicar of Halton) who was to be its custodian but others would be allowed access to the Library on Tuesdays and Thursday by arrangement with the Vicar (Curate). Under the Rules and Orders of 1732,

"It were to be wished that the curate for the time being would make use of the said room as is study, and in the enter seasons especially, use a fire therein, whereby he may air the room and closer attend to his reading and mediations, and be better freed from the interruptions of a family, or a temptation to esloigne or carry any book or books out of the said library for how little time so ever."

It is believed to be one of the earliest public libraries ever built in a village. Since February 1976, the Library has served as a meeting room to St Mary's Church Hall,

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

10am-2pm

Wednesday 17 September:

10am-2pm

Saturday 20 September:

10am-2pm

Location & directions

Castle Road, Halton, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 2BE

Directions:

Sign posts to Halton Castle will bring you to Castle Road. As you approach the Castle, on the left-hand side you will see a drive way that goes up to St Mary's Church. The Library will be immediately to your left.

Contact on day:

Rev Simon Skidmore

Telephone number:

+441928391015

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

40

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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