St James' Church, Oldham

St James' Church is a Gothic Revival place of worship in Greenacres Moor featuring a west tower with clasping buttresses and galleries on three sides of the interior. The building is topped with Welsh slate roofs that have protected its structure over time.

Francis Goodwin designed the building in 1827 after Charles Barry withdrew due to cost underestimation for the project. The structure replaced an earlier place of worship and became a significant religious center for the growing community.

The stained glass windows created by Shrigley and Hunt fill the chancel with color and light, reflecting the artistic traditions of the 1920s. Visitors can see how these works connect the building to the broader artistic movements of their era.

The building is easily accessible by foot and located in a residential area with parking nearby. Visitors should check ahead about service times as these vary throughout the week.

Records of marriages, baptisms, and burials from 1830 to 1837 are preserved in the Lancashire Archives, documenting the lives of early parishioners. These documents offer a rare window into how the congregation developed during the building's first years.

Location: Oldham

Inception: 1829

Architects: Francis Goodwin

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Website: http://achurchnearyou.com/saintjameschurcholdham

GPS coordinates: 53.54580,-2.09540

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:47