Ruined church Christ Church in Heaton Norris, stockport

[molly78]

Does anyone out there have info on the ruined church in Heaton Norris on the A6 just nth of the town centre?
I think it was once called Christchurch and I've always wondered what happened to the building. (I get the bus to work opposite and look at it every morning!)

Just curious really

[Pat13]

I don't know how it became ruined but will try and find out. Just as a matter of interest the place is constantly locked because of vandalism and you have to try and find someone to open it up for you. Having achieved this last month, after months of trying, it was only to find that all the graves at the rear of the church have long gone and there is now a housing estate there!
So...as well as what happened to the church...what happened to the bodies?

Pat13

[molly78]

Hi Pat,

I assumed that the church must have taken a hit from bombers in the war-perhaps on their way back from raids on Liverpool and Manchester?
As for the graves, again I assume that they were moved to another cemetary but then I realised that I have no idea where the main cemetary is for Stockport!

[Manchester Rambler]

Stockport Borough Cemetery is on Buxton Rd (ie the A6).

http://www.stockport.gov.uk/atozindex/cemeteriescrematorium?a=5441

Rambler

[molly78]

I think I'll wander up to the library one day and see if they know any more!
Thanks for any help-it must have been a beautiful church once with amazing views before all the terraced houses were built behind it.

[Pat13]

Nothing exciting as a bomb I'm afraid! Due to boundary changes in 1973 the church was made redundant. In 1977 Stockport Council decided they would demolish it and by 1980 it had gone. Why the tower was left I have no idea. There seem to be a wealth of papers relating to the church at Stockport Library but it would have meant requesting them and I didn't have the time. At least it answers the original question.

[gillj]

Just to say if you work nearby keep an eye on the tower (if its still there) during a thunderstorm. I used to work in the building next door and it was spectacular when the lightening hit it!

Gill

[molly78]

Yes the tower is still there-occasionally the grass is mowed, so the council must
still keep the place neat and tidy.

[bloozarper]

As a Stockport lad myself, I can tell you that in the days when swearing was frowned upon, it was common to follow the exclamation 'Christ!!' with 'church, Heaton Norris'. Much as Catholics would follow 'Jesus!!' with 'Mary and Joseph'.
It seems to soften the Blasphemy.

Steve