Church of St Wilfrid, Northenden

Church of St Wilfrid sits on Ford Lane near the River Mersey, built from red Alderley Edge sandstone with a cruciform layout. The Grade II* listed building showcases medieval craftsmanship and later Victorian restoration work.

The building began in the 15th century, with records mentioning a church at Norwardine in the Domesday Book from centuries earlier. Major Victorian restoration and reconstruction in the 1870s reshaped most of its structure.

The interior features medieval rood screens carved with unusual imagery, including acrobats and a monkey playing a drum above the south chapel doorway. These playful carvings reflect the medieval craftspeople's freedom to add humor and daily life details into religious spaces.

The building hosts services throughout the day, from early morning communion to evening gatherings, giving visitors scheduling flexibility. Located on Ford Lane near the Mersey, it sits in a walking-friendly area with river views nearby.

The bell tower remains the only surviving medieval element, preserving its original Perpendicular Gothic style from before the 1870s overhaul. This intact tower is unusual because most medieval features were stripped away during the Victorian reconstruction.

Location: Manchester

GPS coordinates: 53.40710,-2.25350

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:03