St Peter's Church, Bolton

St. Peter's Church is a Gothic Revival building in Bolton featuring a prominent tower and distinctive interior elements typical of its period. The space includes original nave seating with canopied sections, encaustic tiled floors, and a restored 1882 organ with nearly 3,000 pipes that continues to serve during services.

The building was completed in 1871 as the fourth church on this site, replacing earlier religious structures that had stood there for centuries. Archaeological finds beneath the church reveal pre-Norman stones and Anglo-Saxon foundations, showing the site's long religious significance.

The church serves as a gathering place for worship with regular services and an active music program featuring both classical and modern compositions. Its role in the local community extends beyond religious practice to include social support for residents.

The building is accessible to visitors, particularly during service times or when special viewings are arranged by the church. Checking visiting times in advance helps ensure entry, as the space functions primarily as an active place of worship.

A local cotton manufacturer named Peter Ormrod funded the entire construction, making this a privately financed community project of significant scale. His investment resulted in one of the tallest church towers in the historic Lancashire region when it was completed.

Location: Bolton

Inception: 1871

Architects: Edward Graham Paley

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Website: http://boltonparishchurch.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 53.57930,-2.42300

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:48