Nominal: 1846 Hz Weight: 136 lbs Diameter: 17.63" Bell 1 of 1
Founded by John Taylor & Co 1961
Dove Bell ID: 58420 Tower ID: 22576 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Openshaw: St Barnabas
Overview
Grid reference: SJ 876 975
Two miles east of the city centre, the current St Barnabas which stands today was built on the same plot as the previous church of the same name; itself demolished in 1959. The church is simple in its layout with all detail focused on the roof shape and structure. The nave is essentially rectangular with short transepts creating a cruciform plan.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Nave and chancel, short transepts, vestries and west end division.
Dimensions:
Nave (including transepts but not west end) 17m x 16m
Description of Archaeology and History
The original St Barnabas was built in 1837 by Mr Atkins, a Manchester architect and was demolished when dry rot and wet rot proved too costly to combat. After two years of fundraising, work began on the present building in 1961; it was designed by Mr D. W. Buckler of Leach Rhodes and Walker. In 1991 a partition was installed to create a separate room at the west end of the church.
Exterior Description
The church is simple in its layout with all detail focused on the roof shape and structure. The nave is essentially rectangular with short transepts creating a cruciform plan.
The roof is shaped as a hipped gull-wing, the ‘wings’ rising over narrow aisles and terminating at the transepts. The west end has a large diamond shaped window, divided with mullions and with an iron cross positioned centrally. The main entrance is through a small flat roofed porch extension which wraps around the north west corner and houses the WCs for the building.
Towards the eastern end of the building on the north and south elevations the transepts mimic the gull-wing shape and have diamond windows (stretched irregular hexagons) as seen at the west end. Each transept has a flat roofed vestry attached and extending slightly to the south; the vestries have domestic windows and separate access points. All the flat roofs to the building have rolled security razor wire, a necessary precaution against vandals but with an unpleasant visual effect.
Both the north and south elevations have 15 small square window lights in a continuous line at quite a low level. The east end of the building has a small glazed cross shaped light and is otherwise plain. Over the crossing of the church there is a small bellcote and fleche.
Building Fabric and Features
Stained Glass
East window, amber glass in cross shape.
Stained Glass
South transept, two panels from old church: Feeding of the 5000 and Sermon on the Mount. James Bowers March 1890 and Mary his wife December 1891.
Stained Glass
North transept, two panels from old church: Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Good Shepherd. Rev John Postlethwaite Airey, M.A. Rector of this parish 1867-1896. Died July 22nd 1906.
Building Materials
Brick
Walls
Interior
Interior Description
Internally, the church is well lit and the height and angular nature of the roof space works successfully to create an interesting space. The rear of the nave has been divided by a full height glazed screen to create a versatile space and has a small kitchenette. The upper half of the screen has wooden mullions and a wooden cross in the central panel, echoing the west window. The lower section has a central doorway and the glazed panels are curtained. The ‘wing’ section of the roof creates narrow aisles and these are also glazed to full height with doorways. The aisles are further defined by square supporting posts.
The sanctuary area is narrower and lower than the nave and the roof here creates an irregular pentagon shape. Several pieces of furniture from the old church have been used and although the effect is somewhat erratic, the overall atmosphere is not as austere as with many churches of this era.
The transept windows have panels of stained glass from the previous church and below these are doorways to the vestries.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
Oak table commemorating WWI and corresponding panels at sides of sanctuary.
Pulpit
1962
Light oak square simple design. Herbert Bramwell Dec 31st 1938 aged 21 yrs.
Lectern
1880
Wooden carved eagle from previous building. Presented by Mr Bowers 1880.
Font (object)
1939
Octagonal alabaster. Wood veneer cover. Rev T R Pennington, B.A. Rector of this parish 1896-1923, and Elizabeth Jane his wife. Presented Sept 1939.
Organ (object)
Compton Electronic model 2 manuals plus pedals
Rail
Wooden rail with wrought iron supports of gilded scroll and leaf design.
Bells
Churchyard
Grid reference: SJ 876 975
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
Sources
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