St John the Baptist's Church, Atherton

St. John the Baptist's Church is a parish church in the Gothic Revival style, featuring a prominent southwest tower and a five-bay nave with clerestory windows. The building contains north and south aisles under a tiled roof, creating a balanced and symmetrical design typical of 19th-century Anglican churches.

The site originated in 1645 as a chapel founded by John Atherton to serve nearby communities that were distant from the main parish church. The original structure gradually expanded into a full parish church to meet the growing needs of the local population.

This place serves as the spiritual hub where residents gather for regular services, baptisms, and weddings that mark important family moments. The building reflects Anglican traditions and remains woven into the local community's rhythm of celebrations and everyday life.

The building is open for visits during regular service times, making weekends an ideal time to explore the interior and attend if interested. The location is easily accessible on foot and situated centrally within the town, making navigation straightforward for first-time visitors.

The tower developed a dangerous lean due to mining operations in the late 1800s, requiring urgent structural intervention to prevent collapse. The original architects returned to reinforce the foundations and save the building from further damage.

Location: Wigan

Inception: 1896

Architects: Sharpe, Paley and Austin

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Website: http://athertonparish.co.uk/atherton-parish-church

GPS coordinates: 53.52390,-2.49020

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:03