St John the Baptist's Church, Bretherton

St John the Baptist's Church is an Anglican church built from sandstone in Bretherton, featuring a slender tower with decorative buttresses and an octagonal spire. Inside, it accommodates roughly 400 people and contains a west gallery supported by iron columns.

The building was constructed in 1839 in the Gothic Revival style on land donated by George Anthony Legh Keck. It was consecrated by Bishop John Bird Sumner shortly after completion.

The church has served as the spiritual center of Bretherton's Anglican community for nearly two centuries. It remains a gathering place where locals mark important moments in their lives through worship and celebration.

The churchyard is freely accessible and offers a quiet place to explore at your own pace. Visit outside of service times to fully appreciate the building's architecture and the cemetery without disruption.

The churchyard holds the grave of a World War I soldier from the Loyal Regiment, whose war grave is preserved here. It also contains the final resting place of Sir Harcourt Clare, a notable figure from the area.

Location: Bretherton

Inception: 1909

Architects: Edmund Sharpe

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Website: http://achurchnearyou.com/bretherton-st-john-the-baptist

GPS coordinates: 53.67770,-2.79510

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:24