St Oswald & St Edmund Arrowsmith

Described as an 'architectural gem' and considered by Cardinal Bourne to be the most beautiful Catholic church in England!

Ashton in Makerfield, Lancashire

Opening times

Sorry, there are no regular opening times for this church.

Address

Liverpool Road
Ashton in Makerfield
Lancashire
WN4 9NP

Pevsner found it 'impressive, undeniably and certainly an ambitious building to put up'. Designed by architect JS Brocklesbury, the original design for the church was similar to Sacred heart, Tunstall but following discussions with Canon O'Meara, parish priest at the time, coupled with a holiday in France, the plans and design were adapted and a truly beautiful building reminiscent of the Cathedral of St Front in Perigueux was erected.

The foundation stone for the church was laid, on the site of the old church on September 13th 1925 and was formally opened in 1930.

Like its predecessor, the church stands in wooded grounds and is built like the majority of Brocklesbury’s churches in the medieval manner.

It is said to be the only church of its kind north of the River Loire. Domes were never used in medieval English church building but in France south of the River Loire there still exist many such churches. This style of architecture is known as French Romanesque and is placed between the Classical and Gothic periods, around 1050-1200, with massive vaulting and round arches.

The church was constructed during the time of the Great Depression and many men were out of work. The building of the church gave much needed employment and the project became very much a community project. The entrance gates are from the original church that stood on the site. As you progress up the drive it is difficult not to be awed and inspired by the building’s magnificence.

Gazing down from the roof is a statue of St. Oswald. On his right is a turret of pointed stones similar to those of Notre Dame-la-Grande in Poitiers. On his left is the copper crowned bell tower. The whole facade is reminiscent of the beauty and grace of the French Romanesque churches of the Loire and this continues as you travel inside the walls.

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Catholic Church

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