St Mary Magdalene's Church, Clitheroe

St Mary Magdalene's Church is an Anglican place of worship in Clitheroe, England, built with coursed rubble gritstone walls and decorative freestone details. The structure features a slate roof topped with clay ridge tiles, a tower, and a six-bay nave that creates an open interior space.

The site's earliest religious record dates to 1122 when it was granted to Pontefract Priory as a place of worship. The tower that stands today was built in the 15th century and represents the church's enduring presence as a community gathering place.

The church holds memorial plaques and engravings spanning several centuries, including a brass dedication to a 17th-century schoolmaster and stones honoring those lost in the First World War. These remembrances reflect the community's deep connection to the building across generations.

The church is open for visits and contains narrow passages and stepped floors that require attention when moving around inside. Wearing comfortable shoes and allowing time to explore at a leisurely pace helps visitors appreciate the details and history present throughout the space.

The building holds a four-manual organ and eight bells cast by Gillett & Johnston in 1928, adding a distinctive musical character to services. The bell sound is recognizable throughout the town and marks important occasions with its traditional ringing patterns.

Location: Clitheroe

Architects: Thomas Rickman, Henry Hutchinson, Sharpe, Paley and Austin

Architectural style: English Gothic architecture, Gothic Revival

Website: http://stmaryclitheroe.webs.com

GPS coordinates: 53.87420,-2.39050

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:46