St. Mary's Church, Hales

Hales Estate was purchased by the Reverend Alexander Henry Buchanan, M.A. in 1823 and within ten years he had built a Chapel of Ease for the convenience of the Squire and his workers. This building had a central cupola, a porch and gothic windows and was sited along Blore Road a short distance from the site of the present church.

 

In 1851 William White recorded that Revd A.H. Buchanan, Lord of the Manor of Hales, was building a handsome church near the Hall to the design of George Gilbert Scott (better known for St. Pancras Station and the Albert Memorial) who was engaged as architect. The church was completed in 1856 and the new parish of St. Mary, Hales, was formed out of the parish of Market Drayton.

 

St. Mary's, Hales was consecrated by the Bishop of Lichfield on Thursday, 11th September 1856 and Revd A. Buchanan was instituted as the first Vicar in January 1857. The church Marriage and Baptism registers both start in that year.

 

The churchyard was consecrated in 1891 and in more recent times has been extended and a Garden of Rest created for cremated remains.

 

After the death of the last Vicar, Revd. J.B.S. Coverely, the parish joined with Ashley. This arrangement proved unsatisfactory and in 1973 Hales joined with Cheswardine and susequently, in 1995, became part of the present six parish Benefice.

 

 

 

 

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