Preston: St James
Overview
Grid reference: SD 543 291
This modest modern brick building on the south-east edge of the centre of Preston was built as the hall to the Victorian church of St James, since demolished in the 1980s. The building was extended to provide ancillary rooms in 1990 and a new pitched roof installed. Some of the items from St James and from another demolished church, St Saviour, are used in the worship area. The building is an L-shaped block with gabled and hipped roofs. There is a stepped triple lancet arrangement in the west (actually the south) wall, the rest of the fenestration is rectangular and domestic.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
L-shape.
Dimensions:
Worship area estimated to be c 13m x 8m (42ft x 26ft).
Description of Archaeology and History
Preston has Roman, Saxon and medieval origins, but nothing of this is visible above ground. The site is near the historic centre and the Sites and Monuments Record should be consulted before any development is considered. The town developed slowly through the post-medieval period, then rapidly expanded for the textile industry from the late 18th century, as with most Lancashire towns. After a long period of decline in the 20th century it is now experiencing a relative boom, with much regeneration of the area around the centre. The present church of St James was built in 1975 as a hall to the old Victorian parish church of St James, which was demolished in the 1980s. The building was extended to provide ancillary rooms in 1990 and a new pitched roof installed. Some of the items from St James and from another demolished church, St Saviour, are used in the worship area. The church is shared with the local Methodist congregation and with various local groups and charities.
Exterior Description
The building is an L-shaped block with gabled and hipped roofs. There is a stepped triple lancet arrangement in the west (actually the south) wall, the rest of the fenestration is rectangular and domestic.
Building Fabric and Features
Church
20th century single worship space
Building Materials
Brick
20th century
Breeze Block
20th century
Render
20th century
Steel
20th century
Glass
20th century
Concrete
20th century roof tiles
Interior
Interior Description
Inside, the worship space is rectangular with an altar against the east (cardinal north) wall in front of a panelled gothic reredos from St Saviour’s church. The communion rail, bench pews and reading desks are from the old church of St James. The ceiling is tongue-and-grooved light wood, and this is a pleasant worship space. There is a partition wall between this and the church hall, beyond this are separate rooms used as offices, toilets, a kitchen and so on.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
20th century Light stained table, modern.
Reredos
19th century Carved light oak reredos with intricate tracery, from St Saviour's.
Font (component)
20th century Portable wooden, modern.
Organ (component)
20th century Piano by G Roger & Sons of London.
Rail
19th century Wooden, Gothic with cusping.
Churchyard
Grid reference: SD 543 291
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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