This was originally a chapel of ease to St Mary's Church, Acton. The present church dates from the early 16th century with alterations and additions in the 18th and 19th centuries; the nave and porch were restored in 1794, the chancel was rebuilt in 1806 and restored in 1865.
Architecture
Exterior
The church is built of red sandstoneashlar with a tile roof. Its plan consists of a west tower, a five-bay clerestoried nave with narrow aisles, a chancel, and a south porch. The tower is embattled with pinnacles at the corners. The west door has been converted into a window and above this is another, three-light, window. The upper bell openings are of two lights, and protruding from the southeast angle is an octagonal stair turret climbing to the roof of the tower.
Interior
The tie-beam roof of the nave, which includes bosses, dates from the late 16th century. The nave contains box pews, many of them having the arms of local families on their doors. The pew nearest the door was for the dog whipper who, in addition to controlling dogs in the church, had the duty of waking those who fell asleep during the sermon. The pulpit is early Georgian, and the west gallery dates from the late 18th century. The parish chest is in the tower, it is over long, and is secured by 14 iron straps. The elaborate brass chandelier was presented to the church in 1839. The font is made from sandstone. The parish registers begin in 1593 and the churchwardens' accounts in 1771.
Monuments
Monuments in the church commemorate the Cotton family of Combermere Abbey as well as the Starkey family of Wrenbury Hall. The following monuments can be seen in St Margaret's today:
Wall tablet commemorating various members of the Starkey family: Lawrence ; Arthur, his father ; Arthur, his son ; the latter's sons Arthur and Thomas. The memorial further mentions George, son of George; Charles, Peter, Arthur and George, the four sons of John; John, interred at Great Budworth; Richard, Thomas and Thomas, the three sons of Thomas. Simple wooden tablet with long inscription, surmounted by painted Starkey family coat of arms.
Monument to John Jennings. White marble sculpture on black marble backing, also by John Bacon Jr, and erected by John Jennings' sister Eleanor, the wife of Thomas Starkey.
Monument to Eleanor Starkey, née Jennings, widow of Thomas Starkey. White marble sculpture on black marble backing, also by John Bacon Jr.
In the churchyard is a cast iron gravestone dating from the middle of the 19th century. The railings, gates and gatepiers to the churchyard are listed at Grade II, as is a cottage in the churchyard.
