Marton Attractions

Near Congleton (16mi/26km south of Manchester) lies the tiny market town of Marton with a notable half-timbered church, one of the oldest in Europe. The Church of St James and St Paul was founded in 1343 in Marton. The nave with its wall-paintings, of which just a few are still preserved, dates from this time, whereas the choir was added later, and the bell-tower in 1540. Renovation work carried out in the 19th and early 20th century removed unnecessary decorations and ensured that this rare jewel of church architecture should be preserved in all its simplicity and charm.