St Ethelwold's Church, Shotton

St Ethelwold's Church is a Gothic Revival building made of sandstone with a clerestory that provides light from above and a chancel that sits noticeably higher than the main nave. The interior layout clearly separates the worship space from the altar area through this elevation change.

Construction took place between 1898 and 1902, with financial backing from Rev. Stephen Gladstone, son of the former Prime Minister. The lower section of a planned tower was added later in 1924, several years after the main building was completed.

The west end features three narrow lancet windows with stained glass created by Edward Reginald Frampton. These windows cast colored light across the interior when the sun shines through.

The building operates as an active Anglican parish church and holds regular services throughout the year. Visitors planning to explore the interior should check service times, as access may be limited to scheduled worship hours.

The original design called for a full tower with spire, but only the lower stage was constructed as an addition in 1924. This incomplete design gives the roofline an unexpected and distinctive appearance.

Location: Shotton

Inception: 1902

Architects: John Douglas

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Elevation above the sea: 6 m

GPS coordinates: 53.20960,-3.03460

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:44