Trail:

Manchester's Lost Churches

Apart from St Ann, the only legacy of Manchester's 18th century churches is one or two open spaces in the centre and William Peckitt's glass from St John, which is now in St Ann. The most accomplished was James Waytt's St Peter, started in 1788, with its Greek porticoGlossary Term, the only one for which an architect is known. Others did not lack ambition. St John, of 1768-9. was an early example of the GothicGlossary Term Revival nehich had galleris supported by slender GothicGlossary Term cast-iron columns. It was built for local landowner and businessman Edward Byrom whose choice of style may be explained by the fact that he was, according to Aston's 1804 Manchester Guide, 'a zealous churchman, and much attached to all its ceremonies'. St Mary, west of Deansgate (1753-6), was conventional apart from the extraordinary tower. The GothicGlossary Term third stage was copied from the medieval parish church, and topped by an approximation of the rotundaGlossary Term and steepleGlossary Term of James Gibbs' St Martin-in-the-Fields in London (1722-6). Dr Joan Lane attributes the addition to Timothy Lightholer.

Dates of consecration and demolition (dem.) are given, unless otherwise stated.

  • St Mary, Parsonage, 1756, dem.1928
  • St Paul, Turner Street, 1765, rebuilt 1878, dem.1984
  • St John, Byrom Street, 1769, dem.1931
  • St Michael, Angel Meadow, 1789, dem.1907
  • St Peter, St Peter's Square, 1794, dem.1907
  • St Clement, Stevenson Square, 1793, dem. c.1878.
  • St George, Rochdale Road, started 1778, consecrated 1818, dem.1977

Glossary

Gothic

The style of the Middle Ages from the later 12th century to the Renaissance, with which it co-existed in certain forms into the 17th century. Characterized in its full development by the pointed arch, the rib-vault and an often skeletal masonry structure for churches, combined with large glazed windows. The term was originally associated with the concept of the barbarian Goths as assailants of classical civilization.

Portico

A porch with the roof and frequently a pediment supported by a row of columns. Porticoes are described by the number of columns, e.g. distyle (two), tetrastyle (four), hexastyle (six), octostyle (eight). A prostyle portico has columns standing free. A portico in antis has columns on the same plane as the front of the building. Blind portico: the front features of a portico applied to a wall; also called a temple front.

Rotunda

Building or room circular in plan.

Steeple

Tower together with a spire, lantern, or belfry.

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