Pictures of Nether Alderley

About Nether Alderley

In a rapidly altering world it is good to have places that remind us of a more simple and romantic age. An age when the order of life was important, almost to the point of God, King and Country. Thus, this is the age when the beautiful watermill of the 15th-century was built in Nether Alderley.

Now looked after and cared for by the National Trust, the mill lies just a short distance across open fields from St.Mary's Church. It has wonderful Elizabethan woodwork and its corn grinding, Victorian machinery is driven by two wheels. The mill building has a sloping, pitched roof with vents. Dating back to around 1300 St.Mary's Church offers a stark contrast to the simplicity of the mill building. It has all the trappings of an English church of substance, not often found in what was once only a tiny hamlet. It is a beautiful place of worship where much of the work and many of the church treasures have been generously donated by the patronage of the Stanley family who had their own private entrance and pew. The tombs of the Ist and 2nd Lord Stanley face each other across the magnificent alter. Stanley family arms cover the gallery and their armorial bearings can be found all over the church. Rising from its tranquil churchyard setting where rich scented flowers are planted amongst ancient grave stones, the impressive church tower can be seen from almost every corner of this enchanting village. Another feature of Nether Alderley is the Old School House now the Village Hall. A tablet commemorates the school's foundation in the year 1628, by Hugh Shaw and the children of the parish continued to be educated in the building until almost a hundred years ago.

There is a perfect sense of timeless tranquillity in this precious corner of Cheshire and it is hard to believe major roads are only a short distance away. Apart from the above mentioned, Nether Alderley shows a pleasant mixture of architectural gems which include well decorated timber frame properties so typical of the glorious Cheshire landscape.

Nether Alderley can be found directly below beautiful Alderley Edge. All of life's necessities are in the region which makes an excellent choice from which to visit the Macclesfield Canal or to take in the pleasures of The Peak District National Park.