A village prepares to celebrate (From Warrington Guardian)

A village prepares to celebrate

THE year was 1605. King James 1 was on the throne and in November the Gunpowder Plot almost brought down Parliament.

But for people of Burtonwood, 1605 holds an even greater historical significance.

It is the year that Parliament legally declared Burtonwood should be a chapelry, now known as a parish.

And in 2005, 12 months of celebrations will mark the village's four centuries.

The Rev Russ Naylor, of St Michael's Church, says it is an exciting year because Burtonwood is one of the few villages that can still clearly identify its ancient boundaries.

He said: "Everyone in England lives in a parish and has done since William the Conqueror.

"Before that, England was based on abbeys and monasteries. In some parishes, although the boundaries exist in law, you can hardly tell where they are. Sometimes they go through the middle of estates or factories.

"However, Burtonwood is identifiable and I want to encourage us to celebrate our identity and our community.

"Hopefully, we see ourselves as one community with all different identities and activities, not just a Catholic, Protestant, farming or mining community."

Burtonwood's civic boundary is still the same 36 square miles, but now incorporates Westbrook, which was built on the old airfield.

However, in 1982, Burtonwood's church boundary was formerly reduced to just the edge of the motorway and two other churches, St James and St Philips, were established in Westbrook because Mr Naylor and the then Bishop, David Shepherd, felt people in the new area should also have a new vicar living in the vicinity.

In February, St Michael's will begin its celebrations with a renewal of marriage ceremony and anyone wanting to find out more should call Mr Naylor on 225371.

People able to donate wedding dresses from across the decades, or centuries, for an exhibition are also asked to get in touch.