Bolton: St George
Overview
Grid reference: SD 715 95
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Nave, with tall two-storey aisles; west tower; chancel and south chapel.
Description of Archaeology and History
1794-6. The chancel and south chapel were added by James L. Simpson in 1907. He was also responsible for redesigning the interior.
Exterior Description
This imposing brick church is well-sited on a slight eminence, looking out over Bolton. The south facade has two storeys of round-headed upper and lower windows, to light above and below the galleries. A string course divides the larger windows from the upper seven and a plain pediment extends over the middle three bays. Palladian influence is evident in the symmetry of the building - the north facade is exactly the same as the south. In the west wall of each aisle is an identical doorway having square-headed double wodden doors with a semi-circular fanlight above. Flanking pilasters support a plain pediment.
The doorway at the foot of the tower is of similar design, but taller and more monumental. The tower is lofty and of four storeys, forming an imposing though rather austere landmark. Of the four stages the lowest is broken only by the west doorway and the second by an ogival window above it, the window being the only 'Gothick' feature in an otherwise predominantly classical building. In the stage above, there is a clock face each side, while the belfry stage has three-light, wooden louvred openings. These are slightly recessed within a round-headed brickrelieving arch. A plain parapet, one of the few stone details, rises from a moulded top ledge. On top of the parapet are bulbous stone urns, at the corners and nid-way between.
The chancel east end is based on the triumphal arch motif beloved of Hawksmoor and Vanbungh. An immensely tall brick relieving arch encloses the east window, which has a stone surround and a key-stone, and above it, is a blank roundel. Above the relieving arch is an ashlar aedicular 'tabernacle' which forms the climax to the composition. This is supported on squat pilasters which rise from the string course. The gable of the roof rises above the aedicule, reflecting the same shape.
Interior
Interior Description
The inter for of the church is long and lofty. The seven bays of windows and the white painted walls mqke the interior light and bright in spite of the galleries north, west and south. The galleries rest on square wooden pillars which enclose a cast iron core.
The chancel is quite an intriguing piece of architecture. As the eastern part of the ceiling is domical, it makes the sanctuary appear apsidal when in fact the east wall is on a flat plane. The round-headed east window has an arch above it with a pronounced key-stone flanked by exuberant decorative swags. Either side of the window is an Ionic pilaster supporting the main entablature. In each of the two corners of the east end is a winged cherub's head, set below a pendentive-like feature carried down from the architrave.
The chancel ceiling is supported on either sie by two pairs of unfluted Ionic columns. These columns are of the same design as those above the nave galleries, and they rest on square columnar bases built out from the chancel walls. On the north side of the chancel is an encased organ, its console housed in a wooden gallery; on the south side, two round-headed arches that lead into the south chapel.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
Plain oak table.
Rail
The communion rails are wooden and handsome, matcing the rest of the woodwork in this church.
Reredos
The wooden reredos, given as a memorial in only 1921 is solidly and convincingly classical. The central part of the rereos has a niche, formed to contain a cross. The niche is domed and above it is a cartouche between a broken pediment - supported on fluted Corinthian pilasters. The side panels are plain except for pilasters.
Pulpit
Curved wooden staircase leading up to the elevated pulpit which is only a little below the ledge of the gallery. Carved detail on the corner pilasters and beneath the top ledge. It is supported on a tall pedestal with ornate scrolly brackets.
Lectern
Brass
Font (object)
It has a 'Gothick' baluster and basin. The wooden ever has concave sides, giving it a bell-like appearance.
Organ (object)
It has four manuals and c.60 stops which include chimes and drums as this is an orchestral organ by Jardines.
Churchyard
Grid reference: SD 715 95
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
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.