St John the Baptist's Church, Smallbridge

St John the Baptist's Church is an Anglican church in Smallbridge built in the Gothic Revival style, featuring an eight-bay nave and tall pointed windows that fill the interior with light. A distinctive bell turret topped with a spire crowns the building and is visible from Halifax Road.

The building was constructed in 1834 under architect Lewis Vulliamy and was part of a wider movement to restore and build churches across England. Government funding programs made this and many similar religious buildings possible in the region.

The interior showcases detailed timber craftsmanship and hand-carved wooden pews that visitors notice as soon as they enter. Stained glass windows and decorative religious elements above the chancel create a warm and reverent space.

The building sits on Halifax Road in Smallbridge and is easily found from this main street. Visitors should know that this is an active place of worship, so visiting hours may vary depending on services.

The interior contains galleries supported by cast iron columns, a clever engineering solution from that era. Above the chancel, decorative angel figures create an artistic counterpoint to the otherwise simple structure.

Location: Rochdale

Inception: 1834

Architects: Lewis Vulliamy

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

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

GPS coordinates: 53.63380,-2.13200

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22