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Great Budworth

by Alec and Val Scaresbrook

Great Budworth is picturesque enough to linger in, which is just as well, as you'll probably want to recover your breath after the short steep approach.

The main street is lined with Cheshire's trademark black and white houses, with the added interest of different chimney designs. These houses date from the 17th century and many were renovated by the local landowning family (the Egerton-Warburtons of Arley Hall) in the 19th century. One member of this family, Rowland (1804-91), was nicknamed the rhyming squire of Arley because of his predilection for writing verse, some of which can be found in Great Budworth. Have a look in the Dene Wellhouse and the hotel porch for samples.

Dene Wellhouse, Great Budworth

This is the little shelter you pass on crossing the A road. It was built in 1880 (paid for by the Egerton-Warburtons) and shelters the local source of drinking water, which was the only one until 1934, when a piped supply was laid on. Imagine toiling back up the hill with every drop of water that you needed.

St Mary and All Saints church

The square tower (dating from the 1500s) is a landmark for miles around. This church was once of great importance with a huge parish extending south beyond Nantwich and north to the River Mersey. Additions over the years mean that it displays a variety of architectural styles. Inside there are 13th century oak stalls (the oldest in Cheshire) and a small photographic display of renovation work on the roof timbers. Outside, village stocks for miscreants still stand. See the map below