St John the Baptist Church, Rochdale

St John the Baptist Church is a Roman Catholic building in Byzantine Revival style, notable for its prominent dome that rises above the townscape. It sits at the intersection of Maclure Road and Dowling Street, where its architectural features command attention from passersby.

Construction took place between 1925 and 1927 following designs by architect Henry Oswald Hill, who had died during World War I. The project represented a vision that drew on historical architectural models from earlier times.

Inside, you will find a large mosaic created during the 1930s by Eric Newton showing themes of eternal life. The artwork reflects local craftsmanship traditions and gives the space a sense of spiritual depth through its intricate details.

The church is easy to reach by bus or tram thanks to nearby stops serving the area. A free parking option is available for those arriving by car, making a visit straightforward from multiple directions.

Canon Henry Chipp envisioned the design to draw inspiration from the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, though the planned bell tower was ultimately not built. This unrealized plan reveals how grand architectural ambitions sometimes remain incomplete.

Location: Rochdale

Inception: 1927

Architectural style: Byzantine Revival architecture

Website: http://rochdaleonline.co.uk/sites/saint-john-the-baptist-catholic-church

GPS coordinates: 53.61130,-2.15490

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:25