Parish Church of St Chad, Rochdale

The Parish Church of St Chad is a place of worship in Rochdale built in the Gothic revival style, marked by a striking tower and ornamental bell stages. The building rests on a combination of round and octagonal pillars that support its interior spaces.

The church's foundation reaches back before 1170, possibly built on land that was originally used by Anglo-Saxons. During the 1800s, particularly in the 1850s and 1870s, it underwent major restoration work that shaped its appearance today.

The church takes its name from St Chad, an Anglo-Saxon saint whose veneration runs deep in this region. Inside, the Dearden chapel displays family brasses and memorials that speak to the connections between this place and Rochdale's local families over centuries.

To reach the church, visitors must climb approximately 124 steps from the town center, as it sits on elevated ground above Rochdale Town Hall. The climb offers good views of the town and surrounding landscape once you reach the top.

Local legend tells of spirits moving construction stones from the river to the hilltop, supposedly to guide where the church should finally stand. This tale reveals how deeply rooted the place is in the region's folklore and local storytelling.

Location: Rochdale

GPS coordinates: 53.61480,-2.15768

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:03