Nominal: 779 Hz Weight: 1441 lbs Diameter: 41" Bell 1 of 8
Founded by John Taylor & Co 1913
Dove Bell ID: 3453 Tower ID: 10582 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Horwich: Holy Trinity
Overview
Grid reference: SD 644 115
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 593 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
A chapel is known to have stood on the site in the sixteenth century, the first known curate being recorded as E. Tempest in 1521. It is also known that a chapel-of-ease existed in 1552 as an inventory records ornaments for the mass and for three bells which had not been hung. This chapel was replaced by a second building in 1782, but due to the coming of the bleach works at the Wallsuches the population rose from 305 in 1774 to 3562 in 1831, and so this second building was too small.
The church is one of many similar churches built throughout the early part of the 19th century; known as “Waterloo” churches. A fund had been set up in 1818 by His Majesty’s Commission ers to build churches in populous districts in thanks for Wellington’s victory at Waterloo. This fund, along with generous contributions from the Ridgway family, particularly Joseph, made construction possible.
The first stone was laid on May 21st 1830 by Joseph Ridgway, and the church consecrated by the Lord Bishop of Chester, John Bird Summer, on November 3rd 1831. Holy Trinity remained a chapel-of-ease within the Parish of Deane until 1853 when it became a separate parish.
Exterior Description
The church remained virtually unchanged from 1831 until 1903 when the current chancel and vestry were added in memory of Rev. H. S. Pigot, vicar of Horwich for 48 years.
Building Materials
Sandstone
1830-1; 1903
Ousel Nest Grit
Slate
1830-1; 1903
Slate
Interior
Interior Description
Chancel & Vestry
The church remained virtually unchanged from 1831 until 1903 when the current chancel and vestry were added in memory of Rev. H. S. Pigot, vicar of Horwich for 48 years. Until then there had been two double-decker pulpits at the very front of the nave, one at both side and they were level with the gallery. With the new chancel these were removed leaving a single pulpit and choir stalls were installed. The pulpit at that time stood
on the raised chancel.
1950
The next major changes came in 1950 and these were designed by one of the best known firms of ecclesiastical architects, Messrs. Nicholson & Rushton of Lincolns Inn.
The Sanctuary
The sanctuary was brought forward with a new communion rail;
the chancel steps were also moved forward along with the choir stalls, the pulpit moved to the position in which it was until 2009, and the wooden screens behind the choir stalls and at the front of the chancel were added.
Side Chapel & Windows
The box pews in the north east and south east corners were removed and the side chapel was created. The four lovely stained glass panels were added to the east window and a small window based upon John the Baptist added high in the north side of the chancel.
The Baptistery
At the rear of the nave the baptistery was repositioned and the rear doors replaced.
1960s
In the early 1960s all the box pews were removed and the current light oak pews were paid for by members of the congregation.
The White Lady
The 'White Lady' is a sculpture in white marble by Westmacott, commissioned as amemorial to Joseph Ridgway in 1842. At that time it was contained within a very large box pew but in the 1950 restoration she was made more visible.
The Bells and Bell Tower
In 1913 two more bells were added to the original 6 which had rung since 1831 to make the only full peal of bells in Horwich. In 2004 it was found that major restoration work was needed on both bells and bell tower. Funds were raised through public donations and the work was completed in 2005.
2009
Re-ordering for the 21st Century
In 2009 plans finally came to fruition for a re-ordering of the church which would take it into the 21st century as a building for the people of Horwich. A new ramp was created to the main entrance, a narthex was formed at the back of the church for the use of the youngest members of church and a servery. In the chancel area the front screen and pulpit have been removed andmost of the choir stalls replaced with movable seating. New movable preaching desks are installed and the font has been relocated at the front of the church.
A new office/library has been created and a new sound system and projection screen installed.
Bells
Nominal: 1559 Hz Weight: 349 lbs Diameter: 23.75" Bell 2 of 8
Founded by John Taylor & Co 1913
Dove Bell ID: 25542 Tower ID: 10582 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Nominal: 1467 Hz Weight: 368 lbs Diameter: 24.5" Bell 3 of 8
Founded by John Taylor & Co 1913
Dove Bell ID: 25543 Tower ID: 10582 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Nominal: 1306 Hz Weight: 441 lbs Diameter: 26.5" Bell 4 of 8
Founded by John Taylor & Co 1913
Dove Bell ID: 25544 Tower ID: 10582 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Nominal: 1168 Hz Weight: 508 lbs Diameter: 28.5" Bell 5 of 8
Founded by John Taylor & Co 1913
Dove Bell ID: 25545 Tower ID: 10582 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Nominal: 1041 Hz Weight: 674 lbs Diameter: 31.75" Bell 6 of 8
Founded by John Taylor & Co 1913
Dove Bell ID: 25546 Tower ID: 10582 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Nominal: 976 Hz Weight: 769 lbs Diameter: 33.5" Bell 7 of 8
Founded by John Taylor & Co 1913
Dove Bell ID: 25547 Tower ID: 10582 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Nominal: 874 Hz Weight: 1026 lbs Diameter: 36.5" Bell 8 of 8
Founded by John Taylor & Co 1913
Dove Bell ID: 25548 Tower ID: 10582 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: SD 644 115
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.
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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