Church Heritage Record 609329

Skip over navigation

Core DetailsLocationBuildingInteriorChurchyardSignificanceEnvironmentForumAudit

Crewe: Christ Church

Name:

This is the church’s legal name as given by the Church Commissioners.

Crewe: Christ Church
Record Type:

A classification of the current status of the building

Closed Church
Church code:

This is a unique identification number supplied to each church building by the Church Commissioners.

609329
Diocese:

Name of diocese in which the church building is located at the time of entry.

Chester
Archdeaconry:

Name of archdeaconry in which the church building is located at the time of entry

Macclesfield
Parish:

This is the legal name of the parish as given by the Church Commissioners.

Crewe St. Andrew with St. John the Baptist

Please enter a number

Statutory Designation Information

Listed Building?

The decision to put a church building on the National Heritage List for England and assign it a listing grade is made by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. The decision is normally based on recommendations made by Historic England, the government’s adviser on the historic environment.

This is a Grade II Listed Building
View more information about this Listed Building on the National Heritage List for England web site
Scheduled Monument?

The decision to schedule a feature (building, monument, archaeological remains, etc.) located within the church building’s precinct or churchyard is made by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. The decision is based on recommendations made by Historic England, the government’s adviser on cultural heritage.

There is no Scheduled Monument within the curtilage or precinct

National Park

National Parks are areas of countryside that include villages and towns, which are protected because of their beautiful countryside, wildlife and cultural heritage. In England, National Parks are designated by Natural England, the government’s advisor on the natural environment.

The church is not in a National Park

Conservation Area

Conservation areas are places of special architectural or historic interest where it is desirable to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of such areas. Conservation Areas are designated by the Local Council.

The church is not in a Conservation Area

Please enter a number

Heritage At Risk Status

On Heritage At Risk Register?

The Heritage at Risk programme is run and managed by Historic England, the government’s advisor on cultural heritage. It aims to protect and manage the historic environment, so that the number of ‘at risk’ historic places and sites across England are reduced.

This church is not on the Heritage at Risk Register
 **************

Approximate Date

Approximate Date:

Selecting a single date for the construction of a church building can sometimes be very difficult as most CoE buildings have seen many phases of development over time. The CHR allows you to record a time period rather than a specific date.

The CHR records the time period for the building’s predominant fabric as opposed to the date of the earliest fabric or the church’s foundation date.

Victorian/Pre-WWI

Exterior Image

Exterior image of 609329 Crewe Christ Church
Caption:

603242 

Exterior image of 609329 Crewe Christ Church
Description:

It seems to be the wrong photograph. Provided coordinates come up with another church on geograph.org.uk

Photograph of the outside of the church as seen from the north-east, with the now detached tower in the background.
Year / Date:

2011, April 06

October 2011
Copyright:

Keltek Trust

Archbishops' Council
Originator:

Keltek Trust

Joseph Elders

Summary Description

Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
The fine stone Gothic church tower still has considerable townscape value, but is separated from the brick chancel which now forms the church by the space formerly occupied by the aisled nave, now laid out as a pleasant garden within remnants of the walls. The original church was built in 1843-5 by the Grand Junction Railway Company, presumably by their chief architect John Cunningham. Aisles added 1864, tower built 1877 by J W Stansby (the Railways Engineer), chancel added 1898, galleries removed and possibly aisles refenestrated in 1901, chapel 1906, from which later date many of the extant furnishings and fittings seem to date. It is formed of a 4-bay nave with aisles, only the north wall and a pier survive, though the south wall is marked by a low brick wall containing the garden. 2-bay chancel with north chapel and south vestry. Now detached west tower with long baptistery coming off south side.

Visiting and Facilities

Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
The church is closed for worship.
Date closed for worship:
Work in progress - can you help?
 **************

Church Website

Church Website:

www.holytrinitylyonsdown.org.uk

Work in progress - can you help?

Sources and Further Information

Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
Joseph Elders (October 2011) Exterior image of 609329 Crewe Christ Church [Digital Archive/Graphic material]
Exterior image of 609329 Crewe Christ Church
Joseph Elders (October 2011) Interior image of 609329 Crewe Christ Church [Digital Archive/Graphic material]
Interior image of 609329 Crewe Christ Church
James Miles (2018) Closed Churches [Digital Archive/Data]
Church Buildings Council (2019) Church Bells 11 Bells [Archive/Index]
11 Bells

If you notice any errors with the below outlines of your connected churchyards, please email heritageonline@churchofengland.org with the corrections needed.

This could include information on new churchyards, edits to the boundaries shown, or different land characteristics. 

We are working on adding the consecrated land found within local authority cemeteries, and in time, this data will be shown on the map.

Grid Reference: SJ 706 556

To zoom into an area hold the SHIFT key down then click and drag a rectangle.

Administrative Area

Unitary Authority:

The administrative area within which the church is located.

Cheshire East (B)

Location and Setting

This field describes the setting of the church building, i.e. the surroundings in which the church building is experienced, and whether or not it makes a positive or negative contribution to the significance of the building.

Christ Church is located on Prince Albert Street in Crewe town centre, a short distance south of the neo-Classical Market Hall and later town hall; these buildings formed the symbolic heart of the new borough as the town grew with the railway, and this is one of the few remaining 'railway churches'. They are now separated from the church by the red brick 1960s police station, Law Court and Library, good buildings of their time. There are large car parks on the south and east sides where housing served by the church used to stand, the railway line to Liverpool runs to the east. The remaining housing in the residential area of the parish are characterised by rows of red brick Victorian terraces, mostly to the west.

The fine stone Gothic church tower has considerable townscape value, but it separated from the brick chancel which now forms the church by the space formally occupied by the aisled nave, now laid out as a pleasant garden with remnants of the walls. The nave was demolished in the 1970s. An open covered link on the south side connects from the gate to the garden to the modest church hall of the 1960s.

The old churchyard is looked after by the Council, it is laid to grass with some small trees. Several metal tablets carry the names of those who were buried there, as well as the names of the fallen in both World Wars.

Church Plan

Work in progress - can you help?

Ground Plan Description and Dimensions

Ground Plan

Provide as written description of the ground plan of the church building and well as its dimensions.

4-bay nave with aisles; only the north wall and a pier survive, though the south wall is marked by a low brick wall containing the garden. 2-bay chancel with north chapel and south vestry. Now detached west tower with long baptistery coming off south side.

Dimensions

Missing help text - to be added by an administrator

Chancel 8m square (25ft).

Footprint of Church buildings (m2):

Small (<199m2)

Medium (200-599m2)

Large (600m-999m2)

Very Large (>1000m2)

592 m2

Description of Archaeology and History

This field aims to record the archaeological potential of the wider area around the building and churchyard, as well as the history of site.

Crewe is a Victorian town founded and best known for its railway depot and junction, which arrived in the 1840s. The town grew quickly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to the railway, with Bentley and Rolls Royce also locating here.

The original church was built in 1843-5 by the Grand Junction Railway Company, presumably by their chief architect John Cunningham. Aisles added 1864, tower built 1877 by J W Stansby (the Railways Engineer), chancel added 1898, galleries removed and possibly aisles refenestrated in 1901, chapel 1906, from which later date many of the furnishings and fittings. The churchyard was closed for burial in 1912.

Most of the memorials in the churchyard were removed and broken up in the 1960s. The hall was built at this time. The nave was demolished in 1975 and the area turned into a garden, whereby the north wall with its traceried window remains. The chancel, north chapel and south vestry were re-ordered and reopened in 1978.

Exterior Description

This field aims to record a written description of the exterior of the church building and the churchyard.

4-stage west tower of coursed rock-faced rubble masonry with reducing angle buttresses. The chevron pattern boarded west door is in a pointed opening, flanked by single shafts, and surmounted by a hoodmould with headstops. The baptistery which comes off the south side of the tower has an arcade of lancet windows and is a good building in its own right.

Above the doorway there is a large 4-light pointed window with Geometrical tracery. Pointed windows in north and south faces are at two levels, in partly blind arcades with shafts, lancets at the lower level and trefoil headed above. Clock dials to four sides, set in flat panels of square carved masonry blocks. Date 1877. There are treble louvred lancets at belfry stage divided by coupled shafts with rings. Octagonal pinnacles at the angles, stepped and crocketted gabled parapet.

The nave garden has several relocated monuments including a war memorial. One arcade pier has been left standing. The north wall is smothered in ivy, one can just make out flowing Geometrical tracery. The old chancel arch has been bricked up, a pent glass roof comes off the north chapel admitting natural light. The chancel and chapel are gabled with clearstorey, of polished red brick with blackened stone dressings and bands. There is a 5-light east window and 4-light west window, otherwise 2-light windows, all Perpendicular in style, pointed to the chancel, square to the vestry, round-headed to the north chapel.

Architects, Artists and Associated People/Organisations

Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
Who:
Graham Holland Associates
Role:
Architect / Surveyor ICM55
From:
To:
Contribution:

Building Fabric and Features

This field is an index of the building and its major components

Skip Navigation Links.
Collapse Building Fabric and FeaturesBuilding Fabric and Features
BAPTISTERY (19th century)
CHANCEL (19th century)
CHAPEL (COMPONENT) (20th century)
STAINED GLASS (20th Century)
TOWER (MONUMENT) (19th century)
VESTRY (19th century)
WALL (19th century)
WALL (20th century)

Building Materials

This field is an index of the building’s material composition

Skip Navigation Links.
Collapse Building MaterialsBuilding Materials
BRICK (19th century)
SANDSTONE (19th century)
STONE (19th century)

Interior Image

Interior image of 609329 Crewe Christ Church
Caption:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
Interior image of 609329 Crewe Christ Church
Description:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
Photograph of the inside of the church, looking south.
Year / Date:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
October 2011
Copyright:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
Archbishops' Council
Originator:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
Joseph Elders

Interior Description

This field aims to record a written description of the interior of the church building.

The interior has been re-ordered with the altar against the south wall, with the organ within a tall arch adjacent which leads to the lean-to organ chamber. Wooden panelling round the walls. There are benches against the east and west walls of the chancel and in the south (Lady) chapel. These are the ornately carved early 20th century choir stalls, good, Arts-and-Crafts inspired. Encaustic tile floors (now under carpet) and good open timber roofs. A double arch with central pier and round-headed arches gives access to the Lady chapel, which now houses more pews facing south and the font.

Internal Fixtures and Fittings

This field is an index of the building’s internal, architectural components. This includes its internal spaces and those areas’ fixtures and fittings (building components which are securely fixed to the church or cathedral).

Skip Navigation Links.
Collapse Internal Fixtures and FittingsInternal Fixtures and Fittings
ALTAR (20th century)
BELL (1 of 10)
BELL (2 of 10)
BELL (3 of 10)
BELL (4 of 10)
BELL (5 of 10)
BELL (6 of 10)
BELL (7 of 10)
BELL (8 of 10)
BELL (9 of 10)
BELL (10 of 10)
BELL (Sanctus)
FONT (COMPONENT) (20th century)
LECTERN (20th century)
ORGAN (COMPONENT) (19th century)
PLAQUE (COMPONENT) (20th century)
RAIL (20th century)
REREDOS (20th century)

Portable Furnishings and Artworks

This field is an index of the building’s movable, non-fixed furnishings and artworks.

Skip Navigation Links.
Collapse Portable Furnishings and ArtworksPortable Furnishings and Artworks
BOOK (19th century +)

If you notice any errors with the below outlines of your connected churchyards, please email heritageonline@churchofengland.org with the corrections needed.

This could include information on new churchyards, edits to the boundaries shown, or different land characteristics. 

We are working on adding the consecrated land found within local authority cemeteries, and in time, this data will be shown on the map.

Grid Reference: SJ 706 556

To zoom into an area hold the SHIFT key down then click and drag a rectangle.

Ecology

This field aims to record a description of the ecology of the churchyard and surrounding setting.

Work in progress - can you help?

Ecological Designations

Missing help text - to be added by an administrator

The everyday wildlife of burial grounds means much to those who visit and cherish them but many burial grounds are so rich in wildlife that they should be designated and specially protected. Few have the legal protection of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or, in the case of local authority owned cemeteries, Local Nature Reserve. This makes it even more important that they are cared for and protected by the people looking after them.

Many have a non-statutory designation as a recognition of their importance. These non-statutory designations have a variety of names in different regions including Local Wildlife Site, County Wildlife Site, Site of Importance for Nature Conservation or Site of Nature Conservation Importance (Local Wildlife Site is the most common name). Their selection is based on records of the most important, distinctive and threatened species and habitats within a national, regional and local context. This makes them some of our most valuable wildlife areas.

For example, many burial grounds which are designated as Local Wildlife Sites contain species-rich meadow, rich in wildflowers, native grasses and grassland fungi managed by only occasional mowing plus raking. When this is the case, many animals may be present too, insects, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. This type of grassland was once widespread and has been almost entirely lost from the UK with approximately 3% remaining, so burial grounds with species-rich meadow managed in this way are extremely important for wildlife.

These designations should be considered when planning management or change.

If you think that this or any other burial ground should be designated please contact Caring for God’s Acre (info@cfga.org.uk) to discuss. Many eligible sites have not yet received a designation and can be surveyed and then submitted for consideration.

There are no SSSIs within the curtilage of this Closed Church.

There are no Local nature reserves within the curtilage of this Closed Church.

There are no Local Wildlife sites within the curtilage of this Closed Church.

Evidence of the Presence of Bats

This field aims to record any evidence of the presence of bats in the church building or churchyard.

The church has no evidence of bats

Burial and War Grave Information

This field records basic information about the presence of a churchyard and its use as a burial ground.

It is unknown whether the church or churchyard is consecrated. Work in progress - can you help?
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial. Work in progress - can you help?
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial. Work in progress - can you help?
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
It is unknown whether the churchyard is closed for burial. Work in progress - can you help?
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
The churchyard does not have war graves.

National Heritage List for England Designations

Missing help text - to be added by an administrator

There are no Scheduled Monuments within the curtilage of this Closed Church.

Designation TypeNameGrade  
Listed Building Lnwr And Lms Crewe Tranship Shed War Memorial II View more

Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees

Missing help text - to be added by an administrator

Churchyards are home to fantastic trees, in particular ancient and veteran trees which can be the oldest indication of a sacred space and be features of extraordinary individuality. The UK holds a globally important population of ancient and veteran yew trees of which three-quarters are found in the churchyards of England and Wales.

There are more than 1,000 ancient and veteran yews aged at least 500 years in these churchyards.

To put this in context, the only other part of western Europe with a known significant yew population is Normandy in northern France, where more than 100 ancient or veteran churchyard yews have been recorded.

Burial grounds may contain veteran and ancient trees of other species such as sweet chestnut or small-leaved lime which, whilst maybe not so old as the yews, are still important for wildlife and may be home to many other species.

Specialist advice is needed when managing these wonderful trees. For more information or to seek advice please contact Caring for God’s Acre, The Ancient Yew Group and The Woodland Trust.

If you know of an ancient or veteran tree in a burial ground that is not listed here please contact Caring for God’s Acre.

There are currently no Ancient, Veteran or Notable trees connected to this Closed Church

Churchyard Structures

This field is an index of the churchyard’s components.

Work in progress - can you help?

Significance

Setting Significance Level:

Significance is the whole set of reasons why people value a church, whether as a place for worship and mission, as an historic building that is part of the national heritage, as a focus for the local community, as a familiar landmark or for any other reasons.

Moderate
Setting Significance Description:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
The tower has townscape value and is a key landmark in Crewe.
Fabric Significance Level:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
Moderate
Fabric Significance Description:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
The tall tower has considerable architectural significance, the rest of the building is of local significance.
Interior Significance Level:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
Low
Interior Significance Description:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
The fittings and furnishings are of local historical significance.
Community Significance Level:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
Work in progress - can you help?
Community Significance Description:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
Work in progress - can you help?

Church Renewables

Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
Open the map of church renewable installations
Solar PV Panels:

This information forms part of the Shrinking the Footprint project.

No
Solar Thermal Panels:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
No
Bio Mass:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
No
Air Source Heat Pump:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
No
Ground Source Heat Pump:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
No
Wind Turbine:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
No
EV Car Charging:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
Unknown

Species Summary

Missing help text - to be added by an administrator

All of the species listed below have been recorded in close proximity to the Closed Church . A few species which are particularly threatened and affected by disturbance may not be listed here because their exact location cannot be shared.

NOTE: Be aware that this dataset is growing, and the species totals may change once the National Biodiversity Network has added further records. Species may be present but not recorded and still await discovery.

CategoryTotal species recorded to date
TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIES RECORDED 0
Total number of animal species 0
Total number of plant species 0
Total number of mammal species 0
Total number of birds 0
Total number of amphibian and reptile species 0
Total number of invertebrate species 0
Total number of fungi species 0
Total number of mosses and liverworts (bryophytes) 0
Total number of ferns 0
Total number of flowering plants 0
Total number of Gymnosperm and Ginkgo 0

Caring for God’s Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.

To learn more about all of the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.

‘Seek Advice’ Species

Missing help text - to be added by an administrator

If any of the following species have been seen close to the Closed Church, it is important to seek advice from an expert. You will need to know if they are present now, and to follow expert recommendations when planning works. All of these species have specific legal protection as a recognition of their rarity. All of them are rare or becoming increasingly endangered, so it is important to ensure that management and other works do not adversely affect them. In addition, there may be things you can do to help these special species. N.B. Swift and House Martin do not have specific legal protection but are included, as roof repair works often impact breeding swifts and house martins which is against the law.

This is not a complete list of protected species, there are many more, but these are ones that are more likely to be found. All wild birds, their nests and eggs are also protected by law, as are all bats and veteran trees. In a few cases, species are considered particularly prone to disturbance or destruction by people, so the exact location of where they were recorded is not publicly available but can be requested. These ‘blurred’ records are included here, and the accuracy is to 1km. This means that the species has been recorded in close proximity to the Closed Church, or a maximum of 1km away from it. As these ‘blurred’ species are quite mobile, there is a strong likelihood that they can occur close to the Closed Church. To learn about these special species, use the link provided for each species in the table below

One important species which is not included here is the Peregrine Falcon. This is protected and advice should be sought if peregrines are nesting on a church or cathedral. Peregrine records are ‘blurred’ to 10km, hence the decision not to include records here. Remember too that species not seriously threatened nationally may still be at risk in your region and be sensitive to works. You should check with local experts about this. You may also need to seek advice about invasive species, such as Japanese knotweed and aquatics colonising streams or pools, which can spread in churchyards.

N.B. If a species is not recorded this does not indicate absence. It is always good practice to survey.

No species data found for this record

Caring for God’s Acre can help and support you in looking after the biodiversity present in this special place. If you know that any of these species occur close to the Closed Church and are not recorded here, please contact Caring for God’s Acre with details (info@cfga.org.uk).

To find out more about these and other species recorded against this Closed Church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas.

The church was the centre of many people’s lives and remains a guide to their cares and concerns. Glimpses into those lives have often come down to us in the stories we heard as children or old photographs discovered in tattered shoe boxes. Perhaps your ancestors even made it into local legend following some fantastic event? You can choose to share those memories with others and record them for future generations on this Forum.

Tell us the story of this building through the lives of those who experienced it. Tell us why this church is important to you and your community.

Upload your photographs, share your videos, or compose your story below using a Facebook, Twitter, Google or Disqus account.

Refresh
WhoActionWhen
Oliver LackModified asset data - Modified the Summary DescriptionMon 05 Sep 2022 14:00:11
Oliver LackAdded fabric typeMon 05 Sep 2022 13:56:59
Oliver LackDeleted interior feature typeMon 05 Sep 2022 13:56:39
Anna CampenModified asset data - Modified the Significance descriptionThu 25 May 2017 12:15:56
Anna CampenAdded object typeThu 25 May 2017 12:14:05
Anna CampenAdded interior feature typeThu 25 May 2017 12:13:30
Anna CampenAdded interior feature typeThu 25 May 2017 12:10:10
Anna CampenAdded interior feature typeThu 25 May 2017 12:09:48
Anna CampenAdded interior feature typeThu 25 May 2017 12:09:21
Anna CampenAdded interior feature typeThu 25 May 2017 12:08:44
First Previous Next Last 
Page 1 of 4 (34 items)
Page size:
Site Map  | Privacy | T & C | © 2014 - 2025 Archbishops' Council  | Web site by exeGesIS SDM | Rev. 3.4.8529.22773
  • Home
  • Login
  • Register
  • Church Search
  • Site Map