St Martin's - the parish church of Ashton-upon-Mersey

There is thought to have been a church on the site since the 9th century; the first dated record of a church being built is 1304. In 1704 a storm and fire destroyed the building. A new church was built in 1714. Over time a baptistry was added and, in 1887, a tower, porch and lych gate to commemorate Queen Victoria's Jubilee. These were donated by Sir William Cunliffe-Brooks, lawyer, banker and local MP.

The church contains many interesting features, including box pew ends (converted to wall panelling in 1884), the 1803 colours (flag) of the Ashton-upon-Mersey and Sale Volunteers. Unusually, the church has three fonts! The timbers for the double hammer beam roof are thought to have come from an earlier church, the main oak door of which is still in use today. There are several stained glass windows, some in memory of local people. The Jardine organ dates from 1857, replacing an earlier instrument. The tower is topped by a fine weathervane. "Buffalo Bill" is said to have visited the church and shot the weather vane over his shoulder!

The church has appeared in several television series, including the Victorian detective show "Sergeant Cribb", the sitcom "Watching" and as St Aiden's, Wetherfield in "Coronation Street".

Displays describe the everyday lives of people, some famous, living and working in the village. Films (courtesy of the North West Film Archive) show the Sale Charter Celebrations (1935), Sale Pageant (1951) and the St Martin's Rose Queen (2007).

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

1000-1600

Sunday 13 September:

1200-1600

Location & directions

Parish Church of St Martins, Church Lane, Aston-upon-Mersey, Sale, Greater Manchester, M33 5QQ

Directions:

Church is at the far end of Church Lane. Some parking available between the church and the church hall. Parking also available opposite the Golf Club (left hand side of the road)

Contact on day:

Graham Gladden

Telephone number:

+447802462682

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Toilets and baby facilities are in the church hall.

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