Stockport has a rich history, shaped by countless generations from Stone Age Stopfordians through to the town's present day inhabitants.

And fortunately, a few fragments of that 6,000-year span survive to this day.

Historic England, which cares for England's historical landmarks, recognises hundreds of these buildings, monuments and more in Stockport's borough area.

Each is given a grade - either Grade II, Grade II* or Grade I.

Grade I covers buildings of the 'highest significance' - that is to say, buildings of 'exceptional' architectural or historical importance.

Only 2.5 percent of all Historic England's registered buildings fall into the Grade I category.

Stockport borough boasts the following seven.

St Mary's Parish Church, Stockport town centre

St Mary's Church is the oldest parish church in Stockport (Image - Nub News)

St Mary's is the oldest parish church in Stockport. There is evidence of a place of worship on the site since 1190.

While most of the building as we see it today dates from the early 19th century, the building is still shot through with fragments of medieval and 17th century architecture.

Historic England describes the building as "outstanding for both the scale and interest of the medieval eastern arm which includes an oratory or chantry, combined with the ambition of the 1813-1817 nave and tower rebuilt by Lewis Wyatt".

"The church is a key townscape element in old Stockport", they continue.

In the present day, St Mary's Church is benefitting from a £343,234 grant to help pay for urgent repairs, which will help 'safeguard' the building for future generations.

The repairs project promises to make St Mary's more "welcoming, accessible, and sustainable", while preserving its history and original elements.

Bramall Hall, Bramhall

The manor at Bramall has been recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 (Image - Nub News)

This Tudor manor is one of the most recognisable historic landmarks in Stockport.

Although most of the exterior of the building dates from the 16th century, parts of it are 14th century in origin.

There is even mention of a hall on this site in William the Conqueror's Domesday Book, compiled in 1086, and it's understood that it was inhabited even before 1066.

Its most long-standing occupants were the Davenport family, who lived in the hall from the late 14th century until 1877.

The Davenport family are understood to have been instrumental in the 15th century Wars of the Roses and the ensuing ascendancy of the Tudor family.

They also lived through the tumult of the English Civil War in the 17th century, hosting Royalist soldiers at a time when most of the surrounding area was Parliamentarian.

The building itself is of immense historical interest, a pastiche of centuries of interior and exterior styles.

Regular newsletter readers will also know that its solar is home to one of the most remarkable examples of Tudor wall painting in Europe, let alone the country. 

St George's Church, Heaviley

St George's Church overlooks Buxton Road in Heaviley (Image - Nub News)

This stunning gothic church dominates the Buxton Road skyline.

It started construction in 1893 and was completed and consecrated by 1897.

Historic England describes it as a 'splendid' building, a classic example of the 19th century Gothic Revival style, with "traces of Art Nouveau".

It is at once imposing and airy, replete with flying buttresses, a crenellated tower, an 'attractive' wooden ceiling, a marble-floored chancel, and awe-inspiring stained-glass windows.

St Thomas' Church, Stockport

St Thomas Church is a Greek revival church based just outside Stockport town centre (Image - Nub News)

Historic England describes this church as the singular "grandest classical church in the Manchester region".

Consecrated in 1825, it was designed by architect George Basevi in the Greek Revival style.

Despite some subsequent alterations still boasts much of its early 19th century character.

Repairs in 2014 have kept the building in working order, and it continues to host services to this day.

St Elisabeth's Church, Reddish

St Elisabeth's in Reddish is described as architect Waterhouse's finest work (Image - Google Maps)

This beautiful church overlooking Houldsworth Park was consecrated in 1883.

It was designed by architect Alfred Waterhouse, and Historic England describes it as 'his best work'.

It was William Houldsworth, the Conservative MP and Reddish mill owner, who commissioned the church.

Named after his wife, the church staff describe it as "one of the finest churches" built by architect Waterhouse.

"The magnificent and exotic interior displays the talents of the finest craftsmen and artists of the time", they said.

Goyt Aqueduct, Peak Forest Canal

Goyt Aqueduct spans a stunning wooded valley in Marple (Image - Nub News)

Soaring over a wooded valley, the Goyt Aqueduct is a remarkable feat of industrial engineering.

Originally built as a key vein in Manchester's burgeoning industrial trade, it nonetheless sits harmoniously within its stunning natural landscape.

It was built between 1794 and 1801 as a key route for trade, along a waterway where the Peak Forest Canal meets the Macclesfield Canal.

Today, the area is a popular destination for walking, cycling and narrowboating, giving residents in Marple and beyond access to stunning countryside.

And Hazel Grove MP Lisa Smart is calling for it to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, to recognise the role it played in Greater Manchester's industrial past.

Historic England describes it as "an outstanding piece of engineering and design on a monumental scale".

St Mary's Church, Cheadle

Much of St Mary's church in Cheadle was built in the 16th century (Image - Nub News)

This quaint Cheadle church has lost none of its Tudor charm.

Although much of the building dates from 16th century, there has been a church on site since at least 1200.

It's replete with gargoyles and small details, and also features two alabaster knights' tombs dating from 1460.

A sympathetic restoration in the 19th century has kept the church alive for future generations to come.

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