Church of St James Christleton Cheshire

Built of local pink and white sandstone, at a cost of £7,000 it is the only church in Cheshire designed by William Butterfield.

This is Butterfield with "Perpendicular" detail and very characteristic, none the less. Nave and chancel with aisles to nave, Continuous roof and low tower, with solid tympanum marking the division between nave and chancel - no other distinction. Sanctuary roof richly ceiled but of same polygonal section as trussed rafter roof over remainder of chancel and nave. Two light clerestory windows over piers. Three light east window is very high over a typical alabaster and mosaic reredos. Material red sandstone with a good deal of chessboard work in white sandstone informally. All windows under eaves have beams (wood) instead of rere-arches - and amusing corbels. Top stage of old tower most quaint and original - almost suggesting Douglas - a sort of square slated pigeon house with a spire set inside the battlements. Nice parapet stepped up very oddly and boldly. I think this is an exceptionally interesting church. (Goodhart-Rendell)

Butterfield had recommended that the existing late 15th century tower be retained and incorporated into the new structure rather than a complete rebuilding of the church. Although this was initially accepted by the parish council, the Duke of Westminster was among those who sought to reverse this decision and it was almost a year before Butterfield eventually had his way. Pulpit by M.J. Bayne & Co. Glass to west window: Alexander Gibbs. Mosaic by Minton

Reference: Thompson, Paul : William Butterfield
Correspondence and plans - Cheshire Record Office.
Some drawings in Starey Collection and RIBA