St Michael's Church, Macclesfield

St Michael and All Angels Church overlooks Market Place in the town of Macclesfield, Cheshire, England.

Around 1278 it was extended or rebuilt by Queen Eleanor, wife of Edward I and dedicated to All Saints or All Hallows.

The last major rebuilding was in 1898–1901 by Arthur Blomfield when the whole church, other than part of the chancel and the Legh and Savage chapels, were replaced.

[5] A further reordering, known as "Open Door" Phase 1, took place between June 2003 and May 2004 to provide a welcome area (narthex), meeting rooms and an office at the west end.

[6] The main tower incorporates some of the earlier masonry and includes some of the original carved stones and heraldic shields representing local noble families.

The reredos, altar table, and communion rail dating from 1946 were designed by Sir Charles Nicholson.

[5] Its inscription shows that for five Paternosters, five Aves and one Creed, an indulgence will be given for 26,000 years and 26 days in purgatory.

[6] Many of the tombs and memorials represent members of the Savage family and a high proportion of these have the forename of John.

On the tomb are their recumbent effigies with Elizabeth, who was the daughter of the Earl of Rutland, at a higher level to reflect her superior rank.

To the south of this tomb is a white alabaster tombstone which is thought to be in memory of George Savage, chancellor of the diocese of Chester who died in 1552.

Also in the chapel is the effigy of a civilian, showing the head and shoulders and the feet, the centre being left as plain masonry.

In the southeast corner of the chapel is the tomb of Sir John Savage who died in 1528 and his wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Charles Somerset, 1st Earl of Worcester.

[5] In the apse of the chapel are a damaged piscina and aumbry, and a squint giving a view of the main altar.

On the south side of the sanctuary is another fine alabaster monument of a knight in armour which is known as the Downes effigy.

In the chancel is the tomb of Thomas Savage, 3rd Earl Rivers, who died in 1694 (the memorial was moved from the south aisle in the 2003-4 reordering).

St Michael's Church from Macclesfield railway station
The exterior of the Savage Chapel
Tomb of Major General Thomas Savage, 3rd Earl Rivers in the Savage chapel