St Marie's Church, Widnes

St Marie's Church is a Gothic Revival building made of red brick with sandstone details and decorative blue brick banding, topped by a bellcote with a cross finial. Located on Lugsdale Road, it now serves as a community space managed by Halton and St Helens Voluntary Action.

Construction began in 1862 to serve Irish workers in the chemical factories, with architect E.W. Pugin completing the building in 1865. It stands as a marker of the important role this community played in the city's industrial growth.

The building now hosts events run by the St Marie's Heritage Group, including historical talks, reminiscence sessions, and an annual Christmas Carol Concert. These activities keep the space connected to the local community and its past.

The building is accessible to visitors, especially during scheduled events, but it helps to check in advance what activities are happening. Its location on Lugsdale Road makes it easy to find and observe the local architectural character.

A striking mosaic on the north side displays the words 'I am the Immaculate Conception' beneath an arched gable, framed between stepped buttresses. This ornamental feature is an easily missed detail that reveals much about the building's purpose and spiritual significance.

Location: Halton

Inception: 1865

Architects: E. W. Pugin

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

GPS coordinates: 53.36240,-2.72710

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:25