Little Leigh Church hailed as community's 'hidden gem'

Little Leigh Church is inviting people to a special ‘Daffodil Tea’ and informative talk about the church’s history on March 25.

A visit to the church reveals a remarkable example of terracotta sculpture made in Northwich by Jabez Thompson.

While Northwich is famed for its salt and ship building industries, it seems less is known about its historical connection with terracotta.

Yet the ornate work of the Jabez Thompson Company adorns scores of old Cheshire buildings, including a stunning altarpiece or ‘frieze’ in Little Leigh Church.

Throughout the church there is an abundance of terracotta dressings, trims and archways, including a rose window set within a large decorative terracotta infringement.

This also incorporates the sculpture, known as a reredos, based on the famous fresco painted on a monastery wall in Milan by Leonardo Da Vinci in the 15th century depicting The Last Supper.

Val McDermott said the church was the community's 'hidden gem' and urged people to visit the site and find out more.

She added: “We are holding a 'Daffodil Tea' on March 25 in Little Leigh Village Hall from 2-4pm.

“While this is on and open to the public, David North will give an informative talk at 3pm in the church, across the road from the hall.

“David has researched ‘The Last Supper' frieze and its creator, Jabez Thompson of the Thompson Lion Salt Works family.

“He helped produce a booklet which is on sale at the salt museum in Marston.”