Moulton was originally part of Davenham Parish. The Domesday Book of 1086 states that there was a priest and a church in Davenham at that time, and also mentions other places which formed part of that Ecclesiastical Parish – including Shipbrook, Shurlach, Leftwich, Moulton, Wharton and Bostock.
It was not until the expansion of the Salt Works locally in Winsford that the tiny village of Moulton expanded. In the late 1800’s three rows of terraced houses were built by the Salt Works for their employees. The expansion of the village at that time prompted the Rector of Davenham (Thomas France-Hayhurst, descendant of the Lord of the Manor at Bostock Hall) to have a church presence in the village. Local Cheshire architect John Douglas drew up the plans, and work began in 1876 with the laying of the foundation stone, and the legal processes to make Moulton an independent parish came to completion in 1877. St Stephen's Church was opened for the first time and consecrated by the Lord Bishop, Dr Jacobson, on Tuesday the 16th of January 1877. The first Vicar was Rev W R Hopkins, BA: "Ex Classical Scholar and Honour Man, Born 8th June 1827". The first Wardens were Mr Fryer and Mr Thomas Darlington.
St Stephen the Martyr (or "St Stephen's" as it is now popularly known) was not the first church in the village.
The Methodist Chapel was built in 1842, and rebuilt in 1875. And before that the independent Presbyterian chapel was built in 1833 (but this has since closed).
The Verdin estate donated lands to the church for the provision of a church hall, and for whatever amenities would further the work of the Church of England in the parish. A hall was indeed built and provided the focus of many community events.
The Vicarage dates back to the late 1870s, and was also designed by John Douglas - the photo opposite was taken between the wars. It sits in extensive grounds and is surrounded by mature trees - pine, lime, acacia - and we regularly see squirrels, foxes, and the occasional badger and stoat.
While being an independent parish, Moulton maintained its links with the parish at Davenham – not least as the Rector of Davenham continued as Patron of St Stephen’s Church. When a new vicar needed to be appointed, the Rector of Davenham had responsibility to find an appropriate candidate to present to the Bishop and Church Wardens. In fact the Rector of Davenham still has that responsibility to this day.
