St Monica
Bootle, Merseyside
Inspired by the German churches of the 1930s, Grade I listed St Monica’s church is an impressive brick structure with a green glaze pantile roof.
Christ Church was built in 1891-99 to replace a much humbler building and keep up with the increasing prosperity of this rapidly growing suburb of Liverpool. Its majestic tower of pink sandstone became a landmark for sailors, and still dominates the neighbourhood.
The church was disused for many years, and World War II bombing and later vandalism wreaked some damage, but the architecture is hauntingly romantic. It is a huge and impressive building with dazzling stained glass and a strong sense of Victorian confidence and civic pride.
Most of the fittings and furnishings have now gone but the interior remains striking. Soaring timber vaults form the roofs and graceful arches lead your eye to the great east window. Here, in vibrantly colourful stained glass, are depicted Christ with angels, saints and Old Testament figures.
The west window is similarly gorgeous, and depicts the twelve Apostles. The glass is by Shrigley and Hunt, among the leading manufacturers of their period. Happily, local volunteers now run Christ Church as a community events venue.