Notable Families
Over time, the ownership of the lands at Sandon has changed hands many times through inheritance, marriages and sales. A full list of all the patrons since 1066 can be found in the “First 1000 Years” eBook available on this website.
We have focused on the two families that have had the greatest visual impact on the church building: the Erdeswickes and the Earls of Harrowby, with mention of some of the many other patrons of significance.
The History Group at Sandon All Saints has created a document to celebrate 1000 years of the church being in existence. Click the button below to download the resource for free.
The Erdeswicke Family
The Erdeswicke family had a long association with All Saints, being the Lords of the Manor of Sandon from the 14th to 17th centuries. They had a major impact on the church building but also brought many interactions with the surrounding noble families. The most well-known is Sampson Erdeswicke, whose monument dominates the Chancel. See “Inside the Church” for more details.
The family originates from Cheshire, in the Parish of Minshull, where Erdeswick Hall was situated in Minshull Vernon. This housed the younger branch of the family of Minshull of Minshull Hall, who originated from the de Hulgreve family.
The family took on the name of Erdeswick and eventually moved to Sandon after acquiring the estate. As Lords of the Manor of Sandon, the Erdeswickes were patrons of the church from 1577 to 1635 and lived in an Elizabethan Manor House, with a moat, to the east of the church; the site now being a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The Harrowby Family
The Earls of Harrowby have had a long association with the Church, being its patron and carrying out many changes to the interior.
George Digby bought out Richard Erdeswicke’s share of the estate in 1624. It passed through inheritance and marriage to Lord Archibald Hamilton, who sold the estate to the first Baron Harrowby in 1776.
A summary of the lives of the 7 Earls of Harrowby in government and the political and commercial life of the country can be found in “A History of Sandon” by Robert Selby, copies of which are available in the church. This includes an “Extract from the Autobiography of Dudley, 1st Earl of Harrowby” by kind permission of the Trustees of the Harrowby Manuscript Trust. The extract describes the state of the fields and countryside before then Earl had them landscaped into the park which now forms the backdrop to the church.
Visit sandonhall.co.uk for the family history of this eminent family in Georgian and Victorian Britain.
Other Patrons of Note
Over the previous 1,000 years many families have been involved in developing both the Christian mission of All Saints and building itself. Changes over time have been impacted both by major events, like the Reformation, as well as catering to the ever-changing numbers in the congregation, and the family's wish for privacy in their worship.
Aelfgar, Earl of Mercia was overlord of the Sandon area before the Norman Conquest. It is believed there was a Saxon church on the site. After the Norman Conquest in 1066, the estate belonged to The Earl of Chester who gave the lands to William de Malbanc. William, or his son, Hugh, founded the first stone church at Sandon, and gifted it to the new Combermere Abbey. This was conveyed in marriage via Baron Harrowby to Sir William Stafford of Sandon and then via family links to Sampson Erdeswicke, who researched his earlier family ties, illustrating these on the Chancel walls, his monument and family tombs.
Although never Lords of the Manor of Sandon, other patrons of note include Bassett of Bloreheath, Harcourt, Baron Grey, Venables, and Leigh.
Following this period the owners of the Sandon Estate were George Digby, The Dukes of Hamilton and, from 1776 until today, The Earls of Harrowby.
Join Our History Group
Embark on a captivating journey through time by becoming a part of our vibrant History Group at All Saints, Sandon.
Joining our History Group is an invitation to explore, learn, and share in the enchanting stories that have shaped not only our historic church but also the broader community.
Whether you are a seasoned historian or simply curious about the tales etched into the stones of our sacred space, we welcome you to be a custodian of our collective heritage.
Together, let's unravel the mysteries, celebrate the triumphs, and preserve the legacy of All Saints Sandon.
The group meets monthly.
Make a donation
Every donation made through this website contributes to the upkeep of our ancient church and its precious heritage. We deeply appreciate any donation you can give which helps us to ensure that the church will be here for future generations. Thank you.