Birkenhead: St Mary
Overview
Grid reference: SJ 328 885
Thomas Rickman, 1819-22, with later additions and alterations. Built of the local red sandstone, with an impressive sky-line of battlements and pinnacles. The Rickman church consisted of the altar recess and a five-bay nave which had (and still has) a flat plaster ceiling with ribs dividing it into patterned panels.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Semi-octagonal chancel recess, two-storey vestry at south-east, north-east organ chamber, transepts, west tower and a spire with baptistery beneath, south-east and north-east porches flanking the tower, west gallery.
Description of Archaeology and History
Thomas Rickman, 1819-22, with later additions and alterations. It is not clear whether the steeple was contemporary with the building, or whether it was added at the same time as the transepts. The west gallery, supported by a delicate Gothic iron arcade, may also date from the time of the transepts, though it is more likely to be original. The transepts, which originally contained galleries, were added 1832-5. They are extraordinarilylarge, corresponding to the three centre bays of the original five-bay nave, and cannot be said to have changed the character of the building for the better. Further alterations were made in 1882-3 by the Liverpool architects Aldridge & Deacon: the transept galleries were removed, the interior re- arranged and partly re- furnished, and theset ia vestries and organ chamber added. Although only two of the original tens cast iron windows of the nave remain in their original positions, the re mainder were re- set in new positions and still exist. The cast iron windows of the apse, of course, remain in situ.
Exterior Description
Built of the local red sandstone, with an impressive sky-line of battlements and pinnacles. The Rickman church consisted of the altar recess and a five-bay nave which had (and still has) a flat plaster ceiling with ribs dividing it into patterned panels. Rickman also provided windows with Decorated tracery their mullions, tracery and glazing bars being of cast iron) recalling the three astonishing iron churches is designed by Rickman in Liverpool, in association with John Cragg of the Mersey Iron Foundry).
Building Fabric and Features
Stained Glass
North transept window and a south transept east window are apparently early 20th century. They are large, with tracery.
Stained Glass
There are also four small figures in the north transept
Stained Glass
Arts and Crafts patterned glass in the apse
Interior
Fixtures and fittings
Pulpit
Timber, with some carved figures. Possibly dates from the time of the Aldridge & Deacon restorations, as it seems to contain hints of the excellent church furnishings which C. E. Deacon was to design at a later date for various Lancashire and Cheshire churches.
Lectern
1901
Brass eagle
Reredos
1913
Font (object)
Possibly by Rickman
Churchyard
Grid reference: SJ 328 885
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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