SJ8990 : Footpath closure on Chestergate
taken 7 years ago, near to Stockport, England
Merseyway Shopping Centre opened in 1965 but was extensively refurbished in 1995. It consists mainly of a large pedestrianised street, where at one point there are two levels of walkways for shoppers, and there is access to both the first and ground floor of many shops. There is a small area of covered mall at the western edge of the centre, constructed in 1995.
It is built on giant stilts above the River Mersey and the river runs for the entire length of the centre. The river was first covered over in the late 1930s and a road built over the top.
St Peter's Church was built as a chapel at ease, at the behest of William Wright, in red brick with slate roof and round-headed windows to the nave. The west tower rises to an octagonal belfry with clock face. The chancel was added in 1888.
William Wright was Lord of the Manor of Offerton and Mottram St Andrew. His town house in Stockport was the Mansion House on High Street and St Petersgate was constructed by him as a convenient route between his house and his church.
It was consecrated on 31st May 1768 by Bishop Edmund Keene. In 1861 St Peter's became an "Ecclesiastical District", only becoming a fully fledged Parish in 1968. In 1985 the Parish became a United Benefice with St Thomas.
The church clock, built in 1769 by John Whitehurst, is the oldest public clock in Greater Manchester. The mechanism is on view in the church having been restored to working order in 1985.
High up in the belfry is a bell cast at the Rudhall Foundry in Gloucester and inscribed "Prosperity to this town T.R. 1768".
Church website: Link