St Peter and St Paul's Church, Bolton-by-Bowland

St Peter and St Paul's Church is a sandstone building in English Gothic style with a nave, chancel featuring upper windows, north and south aisles, a southeast chapel, and a west tower topped with corner pinnacles. The layout flows from the main worship space through to the choir area, creating separate zones for different parts of worship.

The original church was founded in 1190, but the current building was constructed around 1450 under the direction of Sir Ralph Pudsay, the Lord of the Manor of Bolton. This major rebuilding gave the area a substantial Gothic structure that reflected the wealth and power of local leaders.

The octagonal sandstone font from the early 1500s shows carved coats of arms from local families, telling stories of people who mattered to this community.

The building welcomes visitors during regular worship times and special events when doors are typically open to the public. Walking through at your own pace allows you to observe the architectural details and different spaces without disrupting activities inside.

The building houses stained glass windows designed by the renowned artist C.E. Kempe and features a notable 1886 pipe organ built by Isaac Abbott that remains in working condition. These two artworks represent exceptional examples of Victorian craftsmanship rarely found together in small parish churches.

Location: Bolton-by-Bowland

Inception: 15 century

Architectural style: English Gothic architecture

Website: http://bolton-by-bowland.org

GPS coordinates: 53.94020,-2.32670

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:25