St Nicholas Blundellsands 150th Anniversary
St. Nicholas Church, Bridge Road, St. Nicholas Church, Crosby, Merseyside, L23 6SA
The Church building, designed by T D Barry and completed in 1874, looked quite different from the way it does now. It had been constructed rapidly to meet a pressing need. However, in the years that followed its consecration, leading craftsmen were commissioned to provide artwork and ornamentation that properly reflected the prestige of affluent Blundellsands. W D Caroe, a major figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement, began his internal alterations in 1893. He designed the altar, reredos, pulpit, sanctuary panelling, choir stalls, and the timber-panelled ceiling in the chancel and sanctuary. Caroe’s work can also be seen in the design of the west end of the building, a memorial to the Great War. The stained glass is a most impressive feature and includes a window designed by C E Kempe. Unfortunately, due to its exposed maritime location, the building has suffered severe weathering, with damage to windows and stonework. This has been addressed over the years by a major programme of restoration and thankfully the church is just one step away from being completely restored. Guided tours and talks about the architectural heritage and social history, will enable visitors to appreciate the outstanding restoration work that has been done. Focus in 2024 on the 150th Anniversary, building on the successful oral histories gathered in recent years.
St. Nicholas Church, Bridge Road, St. Nicholas Church, Crosby, Merseyside, L23 6SA