Believing British church designers had lost their way, architect Pugin strove for opulence in this ecclesiastical masterpiece, nicknamed Pugin’s Gem in his honor.
Considered the top work of one of Britain’s greatest architects, St. Giles Catholic Church stands out with its Gothic revival features. Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin designed the church in the 1840s, adorning its interior with ornate and symbolic treasures. Gaze up at the exceptionally tall spire that rises high over the townscape of Cheadle.
The dark red West Door is decorated with gilded golden lions. Drop a coin in the meter to turn on the lights, revealing the spellbinding lavishness of the nave. From the crisscrossing beams of the oak ceiling hang traditional chandeliers, while large pillars and arches flank the pews. Gaze up at the stained-glass windows portraying Anglo-Saxon saints and biblical characters.
Try to decipher the meaning behind some of the symbolic features. Lions’ heads mark the columns, potentially alluding to the winged lions of Revelations or the town symbol of nearby Shrewsbury. Enter the large Baroque chancel, whose stained-glass windows allow colorful light to illuminate its golden tiling and religious models. Marvel at the high altar and the Easter Sepulchre painting.
Pugin placed all types of ecclesiastical items throughout the church. See the font with cover and inspect the winged mythological creatures carved on its sides. Admire the impressive altar in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.
Attend the Mass services, which take place daily at noon and on Sundays in the morning, followed by refreshments. The parish office opens on Tuesdays and Fridays from morning until late afternoon. Donations are accepted to help with upkeep of the site.
St. Giles Catholic Church stands in the core of Cheadle, a small market town in the eastern fringes of Stoke-on-Trent. Its surrounding attractions include the Cheadle Discovery and Visitor Centre, Cheadle Methodist Church and the town’s main street. Arrive at one of the bus stops serving the church and get around the area on foot.
