Diameter: 24" Bell 1 of 1
Founded by Mears & Stainbank
Dove Bell ID: 57507 Tower ID: 22059 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Mereside: St Wilfrid
Overview
Grid reference: SD 338 342
Following temporary worship on alternative sites, the church was designed by Tom Mellor [1914-1994] of Lytham in 1964. A hall was built to the west in 1974.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Nave and chancel in one with south baptistery and west narthex with toilets. Vestries to north-east corner adjoining vicarage. Hall to west.
Dimensions:
[Approximate] Nave 19m (62ft) x 15m (50ft)
Description of Archaeology and History
The church was designed by regional architect Tom Mellor [1914-1994] in 1964-66 with the assistance of an ICBS grant. Mellor was born in Blackburn and much of his work was in Lancashire. Another plot to the north-east, within the heart of Mereside Estate, had been considered for its construction and plans show that a tall spire over the crossing with an illuminated cross, as well as a semi-circular Lady Chapel at the west end were originally envisaged.
A date stone, laid by the Bishop of Blackburn, is set within the west wall and a consecration stone is laid in the narthex floor. Following its completion the Civic Trust awarded the building a ‘commendation for the contribution the church made to the appearance of the local scene.’ A hall was added to the west in 1974, a date stone was laid by the Bishop of Lancaster. The hall is in good condition.
Late 9th or 10th century Anglo-Saxon cross head featuring a pair of facing peacocks fixed to east wall, as listed in the Corpus of Anglo-Saxon Sculpture, Vol. VIII. It is believed to have been discovered built into the fabric of Ripon Cathedral during works in 1832. It was recorded in the Cathedral crypt in 1915 and given to St Wilfrid’s by Canon Wilkinson when the church opened in 1965.
The archaeological potential of the site is low. A Neolithic stone axe-head has been recorded within a kilometre to the south-east and a Grade II listed 19th century windmill is situated to the east in Little Marton. There are no known designations relating to the ecology of the plot.
Exterior Description
The flat-roofed rectangular church is constructed from plain brown bricks and has slim vertical glazed sections (containing different types of clear glass) towards the west and east ends. Each of these is edged with rounded bricks. A tall concrete crucifix projects from the east end of the north elevation, and supports the bell. At the west end there is a single-story flat-roofed narthex, with a flat-roofed porch on tubular columns leading up to it from the pavement. A single storey structure links the church and vestry at the east end and has a glazed horizontal strip of window set high in the wall.
Building Fabric and Features
Nave
20th century
Chancel
20th century
Baptistery
20th century south
Narthex (classical)
20th century west
Vestry
20th century north east corner
Vicarage
20th century adjoining via vestry
Church Hall
20th century
Building Materials
Brick
20th century
Concrete
20th century pre-case concrete slab roof
Steel
20th century window frames
Asphalt
20th century roof
Interior
Interior Description
Inside, glazed wood-doors form a lobby into the narthex which has an altar facing south (and yellow glass in south-facing windows) – the area is used for mid-week worship. There are toilets to the west end. The ceiling is low and formed by strips of wood. There is a tiled floor. A glazed wood sliding partition separates the narthex from the main worship area. There is no change in level.
Christian symbols are painted on a simple wood frieze above the sliding partitions. The nave walls are painted white and have regular projections like internal buttresses, mostly supporting the simple iron trusses which form the roof above. The ceiling is virtually flat, though it has a barely discernible pitch. Four rows of light fittings are suspended from the trusses. The floor is level and laid with narrow wood-strips with carpet along the central aisle. Seating is provided by heavy, but unfixed, solid oak pews.
A projection to the south contains the font and has a wood-stripped ceiling. To the east is an island platform forming the Sanctuary, with one step up to the communion rails, and a second to the altar. There is a dropped light well over the altar. On the east wall, directly behind the altar, a cross is formed by a raised wood frame with the brick inside painted white, whilst the remainder of the east wall is pale blue. Behind the altar is a low brick wall marking the return to the main floor level. Choir stalls and clergy desks, in the same style as the pews, are orientated around the altar space.
Double doors in the north-east corner lead into the linkage containing the choir vestry and clergy vestries, and an additional toilet, and connects with the vicarage.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
20th century stone slab on shuttered concrete base, oak table in narthex dated 1985
Pulpit
20th century hexagonal oak on concrete base, with four steps up and metal handrails, a green enamel Diocesan plaque (1926-76) fixed to it
Lectern
20th century simple plain wood
Font (component)
20th century octagonal reconstituted stone on concrete base with simple, slightly pitched oak cover
Rail
20th century simple wood rail on plain metal uprights
Plaque (component)
20th century various plaques in memory of individuals
Bells
Portable Furnishings and Artworks
registers: services from 1959 recorded in inventory
Churchyard
Grid reference: SD 338 342
Burial and War Grave Information
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
There are no records of National Heritage assets within the curtilage of this site.
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | No |
| Solar Thermal Panels | No |
| Biomass | No |
| Wind Turbine | No |
| Air Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ev Charging | No |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
Sources
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