Newall Green: St Francis of Assisi
Overview
Grid reference: SJ 811 876
The church of St Francis was designed in 1960-1 by Sir Basil Spence (1907-1976). This is a typical Spence design, combining utility with intelligent and minimalist use of Modernist features to produce a building of modest quality which manages to make a statement in the townscape. The tall tower cross can be seen from some distance, and is echoed by a smaller cross built into a wooden grille in the west wall, projecting above the flat roof.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
A rectangle, long vestry block coming off south from the west end and projecting west chapel. Church hall and lobby on the south side.
Dimensions:
Main church space 24m (80ft) x 12m.
Description of Archaeology and History
Wythenshawe remained a farming community until the 1920s, with a few scattered farms and halls. Nearby Baguley Hall is listed Grade I and a Scheduled Monument. Built in the 14th century on an older site, it is one of the oldest great timber halls surviving in England, and now owned by English Heritage. The Medieval parish church of Northenden St Wilfrid, mentioned in Domesday, is 2 miles north-west. The archaeological potential of the site is low, but the County Archaeologist and Historic Environment Record should be consulted if development of the site is considered.
The Tatton estate based at Wythenshawe Hall (Grade II*, built c 1540 but much altered) was bought by the Corporation in 1926, and plans were formulated under the leadership of the professional garden city planner, Barry Parker.
Wythenshawe was in Cheshire until the 1920s, when it was transferred to Lancashire and the Diocese of Manchester. The Diocese commissioned several noted architects including Cachemaille-Day and George Dance for the new churches built to serve these growing communities, the often daring designs contrasting sharply with the generally conservative styles of the surrounding housing.
The church of St Francis was designed in 1960-1 by Sir Basil Spence (1907-1976). A watercolour of his design is held by the church. An apprentice of Lutyens, Spence is most famous for his radical designs for the new Coventry Cathedral, but he was involved in a variety of high-profile architectural projects, including the University of Sussex, Hyde Park Cavalry Barracks, and the British Embassy in Rome.
Exterior Description
This is a typical Spence design, combining utility with intelligent and minimalist use of Modernist features to produce a building of modest quality which manages to make a statement in the townscape. The tall tower cross can be seen from some distance, and is echoed by a smaller cross built into a wooden grille in the west wall, projecting above the flat roof. The square facade has a section missing from the north corner, the whitewashed cubic chapel standing forward of this. The original entrance is recessed behind a window with grille. A low vestry block stretches south from the main facade.
From the north the church presents a blank facade with the exception of long slit windows to light the west gallery and triangular projections with slit windows near the east end. The east facade itself is also blank. The south facade is now obscured by the new church hall, which mirrors the style of the chapel. There is Beyer-esque lettering around the eaves, with the motto 'recreate space to meet'. A new porch and lobby has also been added at the west end of this.
Building Fabric and Features
Church
20th century Main church space
Vestry
20th century long vestry block coming off south from the west end
Chapel (component)
20th century projecting west chapel
Church Hall
20th century on the south side
Building Materials
Brick
20th century brown brick
Concrete
20th century concrete and steel frame
Steel
20th century concrete and steel frame
Portland Stone
20th century the chapel
Interior
Interior Description
The church has toilets and a kitchen in the vestibule and hall. The interior is a fine space, a broad, tall nave and chancel in one, the triangular glazed projections in the chancel side walls throwing light onto the pedestal altar. This is raised slightly on a concrete dias and has a concrete stem and oak mensa. Behind this is the huge mural of St Francis, black on white but not harsh. The walls are whitewashed with a lighter shade dado with rail. Quarry tiled floors in the nave and concrete flags to the sanctuary around the dias.
The furnishings and fittings are very simple but attractive, with plain angular wooden benches with square ends and box-like pulpit and lectern. The font is a concrete tube with a wooden disc cover, carved lettering by Ralph Beyer. The original Rushworth & Dreaper 2-manual organ is in the west gallery, a good instrument. Accessible through the lobby under the gallery is the west chapel, originally designated for weekday services. It is whitewashed inside and out, and has slit windows flanking the altar, with some stained glass depicting St Francis and Christ with Bishop's crook.
Churchyard
Grid reference: SJ 811 876
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
Submit a change
If you notice something incorrect or missing, please explain it in the form below and submit it to our team for review.