Bowdon, or Bowden, is a scattered village and parish, beautifully situated on an elevated piece of land, washed on one side by the river Bollin and on another by the Duke of Bridgewater's canal; lying on the left of the main road from Manchester to Knutsford, about ten miles from the former, five from the latter place, and about a mile and a half from Altrincham, in the hundred of Bucklow. A short distance east of the village is the extensive and rural park of Dunham Massey, of which mention is made in the account of Dunham. After the dissolution, the estate of Bowdon was attached, together with the church, to the bishopric of Chester; and afterwards the lands were divided, but the advowson of the church still continues vested in the bishops, which, with the remaining lands, are held on lease by the Earl of Stamford and Warrington. The manor is within the leet of Dunham Massey. The church, which, it is said, existed previous to the conquest, stands on very high ground, and is of Gothic structure, consisting of a nave, chancel, and sie aisles, the ceilings of which are neatly carved in oak. From the summit of the tower (which contains six bells) the views are extensive and beautifully picturesque, the land being clothed with fine timber and highly rich in cultivation. Several handsome monuments are in the church, amongst which may be particularized two in the Dunham chancel, one to the memory of Langham and Henry Booth, younger sons of Henry Earl of Warrington - date 1724-6. The other to Henry Booth Earl of Warrington, the inscription on which states that this nobleman was tried for high treason, in 1685, and acquitted: he died in 1693. There are also, in the Carrington chancel, curious whole length figures of William Brereton, of Ashley, and his wife, with seven kneeling figures beneath - date 1627-30. In the nave is a handsome monument, by Westmacott, to the members of the Assheton family, with a female figure elegantly executed - date 1759-74. Many other ancient respectful mementos add an interest to the interior of this church. The present vicar is the Rev. William Henry Mann, A.M. There is an ancient grammer school here, to which a bequest was made, in 1600, by Edward Vawdry, of £4. per annum: in 1806 the school-house was rebuilt. There are also charity schools at Seaman's Moss and Little Heath, endowed by Mr. Walton, with the interest of £1000. The soil throughout this parish is principally of a light and sandy nature, peculiarly favourable to the growth of potatoes, great quantities of which wholesome and necessary root are produced here. Bowdon parish embraces twelve townships, and contains about 7,400 inhabitants, while the population of the village is only about 400 of that number.

Transcribed from Pigot & Co's Commercial Directory of Cheshire, 1828-9.