Dukinfield: Christ Church
Overview
Grid reference: SJ 959 981
At first sight the church appears to be a single cell flanked by low aisles; the chancel however, is minimally distinguished externally by a change of pattern in the pierced cresting on the roof ridge, punctuated by an iron cross. A similar cross appears at the apex of the east gable and the apex of the west gable is crowned by a small bell-cote with an opening for a single bell.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Five-bay aisles nave with one-bay chancel, west narthex and west bell-cote.
Description of Archaeology and History
The church was built in 1878 under the supervision of the first Incumbent of the parish, the Revd. Canon J. Grant Bird, who where many of the fittings in memory of members of his family. No architect is known.
Exterior Description
At first sight the church appears to be a single cell flanked by low aisles; the chancel however, is minimally distinguished externally by a change of pattern in the pierced cresting on the roof ridge, punctuated by an iron cross. A similar cross appears at the apex of the east gable and the apex of the west gable is crowned by a small bell-cote with an opening for a single bell. The west front has three stepped lancets above a flat-roofed narthex, the surrounds of the windows and doorways being simply chamfered and outlined in yellow brick. The west wall of each aisle is pierced by a circular window enclosing a sexfoil.
The west bays of the north and south aisles, although identical with others, form porches, but the doorways have been disused for many years. The next three bays have triple lancet lights of equal height, the clerestory being composed of the heads of similar lights truncated at the springing of the arches, as though the nave had somehow sunk below the level of the aisle roofs. The fourth bay from the west is occupied by a transept, the the nave eaves. The gabled walls of these are pierced by three lancets (again of equal height but taller than those in the aisles) and a little trefoil in a roundel above. The transepts project no further than the aisles. Last again of these are small rooms continuing further than the aisles. Last again of these are the proportions of the aisles, that on the north-east a vestry and that on the south-east the organ chamber. The east window has five main lights with geometrical tracery incorporating two cinquefoils and a sexfoil below. There is a simple diaper in blue bricks on the blind area of wall below.
Building Fabric and Features
Stained Glass
c.1886
The east window, of five lights, shows The Nativity and dates from c.1886; the figures are characterfully drawn and several hands may be seen in the various parts.
Stained Glass
c.1890
West window represents The Crucifixion flanked by The Resurrection and The Ascension, by Heaton, Butler and Bayne.
Stained Glass
c.1920
North aisle I: Christ in the Temple, Christ with the Children and Chist Healing.
Stained Glass
c.1916
North and south transepts, each of three lights, with various warrior saints by Heaton, Butler and Bayne.
Interior
Interior Description
Although no hint had been given externally, the interior of the church has a gallery at the wost end approached by a staircase in the south-west porch. The three arches upon which the gallery stands form an inner narthex complementing the outer porch beyond the west door. The nave arcades are of three bays, the pseudo-transepts having no effect on the interior of the church save by introducing a slight change of window design The piers are round with octagonal bases and capitals and the arches are of two chamfered orders. The white and blue colouring of the well is varied by roundels in the spandrels of the arches containing paintings of the Twelve Apostles. In the west bay of the north aisle is a small baptistory area separated from the nave and the rest of the aisle by traceried stone screens. The roof, which is uniform throughout its length has been much darkened by varnish.
There is no chancel arch, and the only division of the chancel from the nave is a very low stone wall only a few inches high each side of the two steps which mark the change of floor level.
Fixtures and fittings
Organ (object)
The organ is a two-manual instrument of two dates by Jardine, with sixteen speaking stops.
Reredos
The reredos is to the memory of Frederick Platt-Higgins, but is in the same style as the rest of the stonework. There are five niches, with small statues of Christ and The Four Evangelists, their symbols appearing on shields in front of the canopies to the niches.
Sedilia
The Sedilia on the south side of the sanctuary consist of two cinquefoil cupped arches with florets on the points of the cusps.
Pulpit
The pulpit was given by Canon Grant Bird in memory of his father and mother, and has a figure of Christ in an ogee-headed niche in the front and again a frieze of grapes and vine leaves. The plan is rectangular with canted corners.
Lectern
The lectern is of brass, with spirally turned stem and supports typical of Jones and Willis.
Churchyard
Grid reference: SJ 959 981
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 | N/A |
| Solar Thermal Panels | N/A |
| Biomass | N/A |
| Wind Turbine | N/A |
| Air Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ev Charging | N/A |
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
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