St Michael and All Angels Church
Macclesfield's oldest church, a stunning blend of medieval, Georgian, and Victorian architecture with breathtaking stained glass.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
To see stained glass glow
St Michael and All Angels Church
Best Time
To see stained glass glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Macclesfield's oldest church, a stunning blend of medieval, Georgian, and Victorian architecture with breathtaking stained glass.
"Gorgeous architecture, delicate decor, and the bell – breathtaking!"
☀️ Sunny Day for Windows
Visit on a sunny day and ask to turn off lights for best stained glass views. :camerawithflash:
📜 Seek a Local Guide
If possible, find a guide to fully appreciate the church's extensive history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stained Glass Windows
Marvel at the intricate and colorful stained glass, especially when illuminated by sunlight.
Savage Chapel
South side of the church
Explore this historic chapel, home to the tomb of Sir John Savage, a key figure in the Battle of Bosworth.
Victorian Architecture
Admire the grand Victorian expansion of the church, completed in 1900, showcasing impressive architectural design.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Stained Glass
Explore the Rich History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Sunny Day for Windows
Visit on a sunny day and ask to turn off lights for best stained glass views. :camerawithflash:
📜 Seek a Local Guide
If possible, find a guide to fully appreciate the church's extensive history.
☕ "An Angel at my table" Cafe
Enjoy reasonable prices and good food at the onsite cafe.
🔔 Admire the Bell
Don't miss the breathtaking sound and presence of the church bell.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Sunny Day for Windows
Visit on a sunny day and ask to turn off lights for best stained glass views. :camerawithflash:
📜 Seek a Local Guide
If possible, find a guide to fully appreciate the church's extensive history.
☕ "An Angel at my table" Cafe
Enjoy reasonable prices and good food at the onsite cafe.
🔔 Admire the Bell
Don't miss the breathtaking sound and presence of the church bell.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise St. Michael and All Angels Church for its stunning architecture, particularly its beautiful stained glass windows, and its rich historical significance. The onsite cafe is a welcome addition, offering good food at reasonable prices. Some visitors note ongoing repairs, but the overall experience is highly positive, highlighting its welcoming atmosphere and community role.
"A very beautiful church in the centre of Macclesfield. The whole area is lined with tombstones. The current repairs to the building's lining are currently underway. On the first Saturdays of the month, refugees from Ukraine meet here with the support of volunteers."
Andrey John
"Very first time in the UK an this was my first church an i must say, as an American, it was gorgeous. Waaay better than anything in the states. Fantastic architecture, delicate decor, an the bell. Breath taking."
Gabriel “WolfThatMeows” Moberg
"If you love Church's or a Church spotter then St. Micheal's and All Angels is definitely worth a visit and if you can find a guide then the history will flow, St. Michael's is in 2 parts the savage chapel and the later part of St. Micheal's, there's also a cafe called "An Angel at my table" very reasonable prices, good food. If you visit on a sunny day, as always ask them to switch off the lights to see the stained glass windows, enjoy your visit."
austin stott
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Michael's and All Angels Church is located in the heart of Macclesfield. It's easily accessible by public transport, with local bus routes serving the town center. If driving, there are several car parks nearby.
The church has undergone modern renovations, including a new entrance area with a cafe and reception. This modern build incorporates a glass front on all three floors, suggesting improved accessibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The church and its cafe are open daily, allowing visitors to explore at their convenience.
There is no mention of an entrance fee for visiting the church itself, suggesting it is free to enter.
Yes, on the first Saturdays of the month, refugees from Ukraine meet here with the support of volunteers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The church showcases a rich history, with origins in 1220. It features the late 15th/early 16th-century Savage and Leigh chapels, a Georgian church from the 1700s, and a significant Victorian expansion completed in 1900.
The Savage chapel is notable for containing the tomb of Sir John Savage V, who played a crucial role in Henry Tudor's victory at the Battle of Bosworth.
While not explicitly stated, it is recommended to find a guide if possible to fully learn about the church's history.
The church bell is described as breathtaking, adding to the overall impressive experience of visiting.
A modern build at the front entrance incorporates a cafe, reception area, and two meeting rooms above, featuring a glass front to showcase the church's splendor.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe called "An Angel at my table" located within the church premises, offering reasonable prices and good food.
The cafe is known for serving good food at reasonable prices.
📸 📸 Photography
For the most dramatic effect, visit on a sunny day and request that the lights be turned off to see the stained glass in its full glory.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but it's always good practice to be respectful of ongoing services or private moments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
⛪ Church Enthusiasts & History Buffs
🤝 Community-Minded Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Evolution of St. Michael's
During the 1700s, Eleanor's chapel was largely demolished, with only two side chapels and a small tower on the south side surviving. These are the Savage and Leigh chapels, constructed in the late 1400s and early 1500s. The Savage chapel holds particular historical weight, housing the tomb of Sir John Savage V, who commanded a flank at the Battle of Bosworth. As Macclesfield's population grew with the silk trade, a larger Georgian church was built, featuring a more substantial tower. However, this too was eventually superseded by a grander Victorian church, built towards the town hall and finished in 1900. This Victorian structure forms the predominant appearance of the church today, with the exception of a modern, glass-fronted entrance that integrates a cafe and reception area.
This layered history means visitors can explore distinct architectural styles within one building. From the medieval elements of the Savage chapel to the grandeur of the Victorian nave and the contemporary entrance, St. Michael's offers a compelling visual narrative of Macclesfield's past. The church's continuous adaptation underscores its enduring role as a central landmark in the community.
The Significance of the Stained Glass
To fully appreciate the intricate details and rich colors, it is highly recommended to visit on a sunny day. Visitors are encouraged to ask the church staff to turn off the internal lights. This simple act dramatically enhances the visual impact, allowing the sunlight to illuminate the glass, making the scenes and patterns truly 'shine'.
Community Hub and Modern Integration
The church also actively engages with the community through various initiatives. Notably, on the first Saturdays of the month, it hosts meetings for refugees from Ukraine, supported by volunteers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit