Farndon Parish Church

Typical old church yard

Beautiful church

Have to say that I didn't go in, but went to look at the civil war scars and those where fascinating

Now open for personal prayer soon to reopen for public worship

St Chad’s Church in Farndon is a 17th century reconstruction of an older medieval church, home to a fascinating memorial to the Royalist defenders of Chester.
The church is mentioned in the Domesday Book but the stone structure was first established in the 14th century. From that early stone church only the tower remains due to the extensive damage sustained during the English Civil War.
In 1643, Sir William Brereton’s Parliamentarian forces were garrisoned in the church as they prepared to take Holt Castle just across the River Dee. A Royalist counter-attack and a battle in and around the church itself inflicted a great deal of damage, including the loss of the roof to fire.
The church remained a Parliamentary garrison until 1645 when it was abandoned, almost entirely derelict. Wealthy local landowner William Barnston paid for the reconstruction in 1658 and his family are memorialised in the Barnston Chapel on the North Aisle.
There is a great deal of impressive late 19th and early 20th century stained glass in the church but the most interesting is an outwardly unassuming 2 foot square in the Barnston Chapel. Commissioned by Barnston in 1662, the small window commemorates the Royalist defenders of Chester. The panes bear intricate and accurate depictions Royalist officers, arms and armour. Sir Richard Grosvenor, Sir William Mainwaring and William Barnston can be seen in the top panels, identified by their coats of arms. The central figure is Sir Francis Gamull, one of King Charles’ attendants at the Siege of Chester.

Beautiful, picturesque, sandstone building with Civil War history, and burial grounds that have been used over centuries. All tucked away from the high street. Has eight church bells that are rung - makes for great, traditional weddings. The Rev Scurr has wedding parties laughing too. Very welcoming atmosphere for personal, quiet contemplation.

Excellent location. Very warm and welcoming reception.

Lovely historic church