Nether Alderley

St Mary’s Church is an interesting mixture. The oldest existing part is the 14th century nave. However, this shows signs of expansion later, in alterations in the windows in the clerestory. The south porch is 15th-century, but there is evidence of it being moved to its present position when the tower was built in the early 16th century. This was almost certainly built by Richard Plat, the mason who was responsible for Mobberley church tower, erected at the same time. The chancel was rebuilt by the Stanleys in the 1850s to house the tomb of the 1st Lord Stanley, but it may have replaced an even older 13th- century structure.
An extract from from"Wilmslow & Alderley Edge - A History & Celebration".

Looking East along Welsh Row towards the cross, this is Nut Tree Farm, a typical yeoman half timbered farmhouse from the 17th century. It has the characteristic north Cheshire coving under the gable. After this picture was taken a new wing was built on the far side, brick, but painted to match the rest of the house, and ornamented with the Stanley crest in the gable, a common feature of Stanley estate building at this time.
An extract from from"Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Photographic Memories".

OF ALL the villages in this collection, Nether Alderley perhaps gives us the best impression of what a north-eastern Cheshire village was like before the Industrial Revolution changed both the countryside and society. It still has an ancient church, a working mill and a collection of farmhouses along roads and lanes that have changed very little in the last 200 years. Yet, once the proposed Alderley Edge bypass is built, the whole atmosphere will change as the road is planned to sweep through the calm countryside to the west of St Mary`s church and across the drive of Heawood Hall. However, when one looks under the surface, it is clear that much has already changed. The aristocratic landowners, the Stanleys of Alderley, sold up in 1938, and their park is now occupied by the research facilities for the pharmaceutical firm, Astra Zeneca. The Stanleys` one time care for their estate is still evident in their buildings in the village, often decorated with their crest, the Eagle and Child. They were an extraordinary family, witty and intellectual, who could count Bertrand Russell, Gertrude Bell and the Mitford sisters amongst their relations. But they have gone; a double dose of death duties and an extravagant sixth Lord Stanley meant they could not afford to continue living on the estates they had owned since the 15th century.
An extract from from"Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Photographic Memories".

This view across the fields towards St Mary's and its rectory can still be seen today from the public footpaths that go from the church to Gatley Farm and Sand Lane. It has been like this for 200 years, and almost a century before this photograph was taken the rector, the Rev Edward Stanley, painted a watercolour from almost exactly the same position.
An extract from from"Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Photographic Memories".

This was taken not long after the restoration of the interior of the church by the Reverend Bell. Very much in the Arts and Crafts style, each pew end is different, and the rector himself is remembered in a Morris window in the chancel. From an earlier era is the Stanley pew up above on the right, overlooking the pulpit like a Jacobean opera box. The Stanley crest of the Eagle and Child can just be seen above it. Today, below the pew, both a `breeches` and a `vinegar` bible are on show for visitors to see.
An extract from from"Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Photographic Memories".