Brinnington: St Luke & Portwood St Paul
Overview
Grid reference: SJ 912 922
Constructed in 1964 to designs of Manchester architectural firm, Fairhursts, and was consecrated the following year.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
nave and chancel in one with south-west porch.
Dimensions:
[Approximate] Nave 19m x 14m
Footprint of Church buildings: 266 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
The church hall was built before the church was constructed in the 1950s, providing a temporary place of worship for the growing estate. The church was constructed in 1964 to the designs of local architectural practice, Fairhursts of Manchester, who at a similar date were involved in commissions at Manchester University.
The parish of Portwood merged with Brinnington when Portwood, St Paul (built 1849-51 by John Crowther) was demolished in the 1970s. Several items have been relocated from the former church such as the lectern and Roll of Honour.
The archaeological potential of the site is low. Archaeological records within 1 kilometre of the site identify a possible Roman road from Stockport to Glossop to the south-east, the 16th century ruins of Arden Hall on a moated site is to the north-east; C17th traces of archaeology at Crookilly Farm to the south-east, Reddish Vale golf course designed by Alistair MacKenzie in 1912 to the west. There are no known designations relating to the ecology of the plot.
Exterior Description
St Luke's is constructed in red brick and has a contrasting partially pitched, green, copper-clad roof. A porch projects to the south, with a canopy extending southwards, partly supported by a large crucifix. A low, flat-roofed narthex extends from the west. The brick elevations are plain, except the north elevation which has recessed arched niches, and glazed panels extending the height of the north and south elevations at the east ends. There is also a projection at the eastern end of the north side, with a sloping, rising roofline. Strips of glazing extend along north and south elevation at the cill line. The east wall is angled, pointing outwards to the east. Downpipes are concealed within the stucture.
Building Fabric and Features
Nave
20th century and chancel in one
Chancel
20th century and nave in one
Porch
20th century south west
Church Hall
20th century
Building Materials
Brick
20th century red
Copper
20th century roof
Interior
Interior Description
The interior is accessed through wood-glazed double doors from the lobby to the south, where there is no change in level, or through a door in the north wall which has a single step. The plan of the interior fans slightly with a narrower east end. The east wall meets in the centre at an angle, pointing east.
The large interior space is quite dark. It has a level floor paved in red and black square clay tiles with a line along the centre to echo the fan of the building. Fixed pine benches provide seating. The space is ceiled by wood strips and transverse trusses. There are suspended light fittings. The walls are of exposed red brick, the north wall has recessed blind niches echoing those externally. Clear, glazed windows form a horizontal strip at eaves level around the building, except in the eastern-most bay.
The Sanctuary is raised by a single brick step shaped in reverse to the angle of the east wall. A shallow projection to the north has glazing to the west facet and a door (not in use) and pierced lancets in the east face. Consecration stones are laid at the base. To the south side, a brick pulpit is built out of the wall. The altar is raised on three stone steps and is positioned beneath a wooden crucifix, fixed to the east wall. The wall to the south is glazed in tones of yellow reaching the full height of the elevation.
At the west end a brick wall, randomly pierced with openings, divides the western most end to form a narthex. Six steps behind it provide access to a platform with doors off it opening onto two vestries and a bathroom. To the north and south sides of the west elevation are full-height expanses of blue glazing. A further flight of wooden steps leads up from the platform to a west balcony, largely used for storage, with the boiler room accessed to the south side. Beneath the narthex is a basement, sometimes used as a meeting room, and laid out as a chapel. Small square windows filled with coloured glass are placed high in the wall of the west elevation.
Fixtures and fittings
Font (component)
20th century Small brick drum with glazed ceramic upper drum and blue mosaic lined bowl. Tall elegant aluminium cover rising into slim cross by Mr S Hayle.
Altar
20th century Plain open pine table.
Rail
20th century Metal uprights with pine rail.
Pulpit
20th century Curved red brick structure with pine ledge built into the south side of the church.
Plaque (component)
20th century Several memorial plaques fixed to several items.
Lectern
19th century Brass eagle lectern relocated from Portwood church.
Organ (component)
20th century electric piano and electric organ
Portable Furnishings and Artworks
Registers dating from 1965.
Churchyard
Grid reference: SJ 912 922
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
Quinquennial Inspections
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