The Parish Church of
St Mary and All Saints
Trentham
Guide to the Church Building
There has been a place of worship here since 7th Century AD. The oldest relic is the base of a Saxon Cross which is in the church yard.
The church was rebuilt in 1844 by Sir Charles Barry for the second Duke of Sutherland. The South wall is of old stone from the former church and the Norman pillars were incorporated in the new building. The tiled floor was a gift from Herbert Minton who died in 1854.
As you enter the church from the porch and move around in a
clockwise direction you will find these points of historical interest.
PORCH
The outside of the porch was rebuilt using the arch from a previous building, of 1153 The coffin lid in the porch wall dates from the end of the 11th century.
COAT OF ARMS
The royal Coat of Arms of Charles I over the church entrance is dated 1634. It has three holes
made by Cromwellian bullets during the civil war. At that time, it was situated over the rood screen.
KNIGHT IN NICHE IN NORTH WALL
Believed to be the effigy of Ranulph 2nd, 4th Earl of Chester
ORGAN
Binns organ, given by Millicent, wife of the 4th Duke of Sutherland, in memory of her father Lord Rosslyn on the Soth anniversary of the rebuilding of the church.
ROOD SCREEN
Fine wooden screen from the Jacobean period, about 1633. The decoration is thought to be unique!
ALTAR
The altar table is also Jacobean and is a rare survival of this type. The picture of the Entombment of Christ, by William Hilton RA, dates from 1811 and was given by the Duchess of Sutherland.
Note also the ten commandments.
LECTERN
The Eagle-shaped bronze holds the Bible and stands on a ball which represents the world. It symbolises the Gospel being carried to the on wings to the ends of the world.
SUTHERLAND MEMORIAL CHAPEL
Contains memorials to the Leveson-Gower family, including the second Duke of Sutherland who rebuilt the church in 1844. Trentham Hall, demolished in 1912, was one of their residences. A transcript of a memorial stone in Trentham Gardens records the history of the site.
BEQUEST BOARDS
Record the generosity of parishioners. The most important one is in the memorial chapel.
MEMORIAL IN SOUTH WALL
Christ in the house of Simon the Leper. Modelled by Tidworth and given as a memorial to the 4th Duke who died in 1913.
SOUTH DOOR
Normally closed, this door links with Trentham Gardens and can be opened for weddings by special arrangement. The view over the Italian Gardens and the lake is spectacular.
THE FONT
Baptisms continue to take place at the font, which was given to the church by the people of
Trentham in gratitude to the Duke of Sutherland, who rebuilt the church at his own expense in
1844.
THE GALLERY
Has recently been refurbished and is open for use at special services when the church is full. Under the gallery is a list of vicars of this church
THE GRAHAM VESTRY
The vestry was added in 1933 in memory of the Ven Archdeacon Graham, vicar 1908-1931.
A short distance from the church across the A34 is the Mausoleum, built in 1807, which is the only Grade I listed building in Staffordshire.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH AND THE AREA OF TRENTHAM CAN BE FOUND IN THE BOOK
"-TRENTHAM- A CHURCH THROUGH HISTORY' BY JUNE STEED.
COPIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE IN THE GRAHAM VESTRY.
Please do not hesitate to email the author with comments or questions.