Religion
Many types of worship have been practised in Cheshire, in accordance with the diverse civilisations inhabiting its territory overtime. Druid temples have been found, as well as Roman temples (among them the one built in Chester to the goddess Minerva, referred to as Minerva's Shrine). Early Christian churches were constructed during the 7th Century, one attested at Eccleston. The most visited however remains Chester Cathedral, built as far back as on 660 the site of former pagan temples, its overall history spanning over approximately two millennia.
Cheshire is home to some of the oldest and best preserved cathedrals in the country, some of the oldest dating back more than a thousand years. A number of epochal churches are currently listed as protected buildings due to their historical importance. St Mary, located in the village of Thornton-le-Moors, was first constructed during the 14th Century, still preserving parts of its original structure, whereas others were added or renovated overtime. Also, Christ Church in Macclesfield, built between 1775 and 1776, was among the few constructions in the area pioneering the use of cast iron columns.
Another church which stands out due to its age and architecture is St Oswald in the village of Lower Peover, built during the 13th Century, which appears to be the oldest aisled church constructed from timber in England. Besides churches which are still in use, there are quite a few edifices formerly used for worshiping, which are now redundant, have been turned into educational centres or serve other purposes.
Today, the primary religion in Cheshire remains Christianity, an average of 80 per cent of inhabitants stating their allegiance to this faith. There are also small Buddhist and Jewish communities, whereas Muslims make up an average of 0.5 per cent of inhabitants in larger cities such as Chester, Macclesfield and Warrington.