Howbeck Bank

Settlement in Cheshire

England

Howbeck Bank

Former St. Chad's Church Tower, Wybunbury The body of the original church has been demolished (Twice!) but the tower still stands.

The tower was built in the 15th century on the site of the earlier church. By 1750 its foundations were observed to be settling and the tower was beginning to lean. In the early 1790s the church was repaired or rebuilt. In 1833 the body of the church was demolished; James Trubshaw then straightened the tower by removing soil from the higher side and soaking the ground so that the tower settled back straight. He rebuilt the body of the church in a style loosely based on the previous building. This church was replaced in 1892–93 by a church designed by James Brooks, which in turn was demolished around 1976. The tower was saved from demolition by a group of villagers who formed the Wybunbury Tower Preservation Trust.

As at least five and possibly more churches on this site have become unsafe and been demolished due to ground movement; the replacement church was built in 1978 on a site elsewhere in the village and contains several items from previous churches. — Former St. Chad's Church Tower, Wybunbury Credit: Brian Deegan

Howbeck Bank is a small hamlet located in the county of Cheshire, England. It lies in the rural area of the borough of Cheshire East, near the border with Staffordshire. The hamlet is nestled in the picturesque countryside, surrounded by rolling hills and lush green fields.

Despite its small size, Howbeck Bank boasts a close-knit community and a tranquil atmosphere. The hamlet primarily consists of a few residential properties, including traditional cottages and modern houses. The architecture reflects the local Cheshire style, with many buildings featuring red-brick facades and timber detailing.

The surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration. Nature lovers can enjoy scenic walks and hikes in the nearby countryside, taking in the breathtaking views and abundant wildlife. The hamlet is also within close proximity to several notable attractions, including the Lyme Park and the Peak District National Park, which are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.

Although Howbeck Bank does not have its own amenities, it benefits from being in close proximity to the nearby town of Congleton. Here, residents can find a range of facilities, including schools, shops, restaurants, and healthcare services.

Overall, Howbeck Bank provides a peaceful and idyllic setting for those seeking a rural lifestyle. Its beautiful surroundings and proximity to amenities make it an attractive place to live for those who value the tranquility of the countryside.

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Howbeck Bank Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.040911/-2.473514 or Grid Reference SJ6849. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Former St. Chad's Church Tower, Wybunbury

The body of the original church has been demolished (Twice!) but the tower still stands. The tower was built in the 15th century on the site of the earlier church. By 1750 its foundations were observed to be settling and the tower was beginning to lean. In the early 1790s the church was repaired or rebuilt. In 1833 the body of the church was demolished; James Trubshaw then straightened the tower by removing soil from the higher side and soaking the ground so that the tower settled back straight. He rebuilt the body of the church in a style loosely based on the previous building. This church was replaced in 1892–93 by a church designed by James Brooks, which in turn was demolished around 1976. The tower was saved from demolition by a group of villagers who formed the Wybunbury Tower Preservation Trust. As at least five and possibly more churches on this site have become unsafe and been demolished due to ground movement; the replacement church was built in 1978 on a site elsewhere in the village and contains several items from previous churches.

Brian Deegan

St Chad's in 1969

Scanned from a photo taken in my college days

Andrew Darge

View from Wybunbury Tower looking west

Just visible on horizon are Bickerton/Beeston Hills

Mike Grose

View from Wybunbury Tower looking south

Looking down Bridge Street towards the school

Mike Grose

Wybunbury Tower - top

Unusual and ingenious mechanism for raising the flagpole on top of Wybunbury Tower

Mike Grose

Wybunbury Church Tower from Edge of the Moss

View of Wybunbury church from the edge of Wybunbury Moss

Ian Bottomley

Moat by Wybunbury

Presumed edge of the moat by Wynbunbury church. There used to be 2 houses with moats near the church for visiting clergy.

Ian Bottomley

Footpath through cemetery

Ian Bottomley

Wybunbury: Tower of St. Chad's Church

The tower, begun in 1470, stands in splendid isolation: the attached church, which dated in part from the 7th Century, (see SJ7049 : St Chad's in 1969) had to be demolished in 1976, as subsidence had rendered it unsafe: a new building some 200m to the west, replaced it.

Dr Neil Clifton

Wybunbury Tower

Row17

Wybunbury Tower: detail

Western front has "Quatrefoils to spandrels and niches to either side with crocketed ogee heads each containing a sculpture of a bishop." per Link

Dave Dunford

Bridge Street, Wybunbury

Looking north. The houses on the left are well above the level of the road, and are served by a narrow footpath, which must make having large items of furniture delivered a bit of a headache. Location note: The road is marked on the 1:50000 OS map as straddling the grid line, but on the 1:25000 map the whole road is clearly shown to be within the grid square as shown here. The photographer location I have provided was obtained from a gps device.

Richard Dorrell

Wybunbury Tower

Wybunbury Tower, or “The Hanging Steeple of Wimberie” is a 15th century church tower saved from demolition in the 1980’s by a dedicated group of villagers now known as the Wybunbury Tower Preservation trust. There have been many churches on this elevated site but only the tower remains. Its tendency to lean has earned it the title the "Leaning Tower of South Cheshire" or in earlier days the "Hanging Steeple of Wimberie". The leaning tower was straightened in 1989 with the aid of 85 hydraulic jacks. It remains 18 inches off plumb.

Richard Dorrell