Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Wallasey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Wallasey |
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Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Wallasey, from the southwest
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| OS grid reference | SJ 319 910 |
| Location | Wheatland Lane, Seacombe, Wallasey, Wirral, Merseyside |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | Parish of St Joseph and St Alban, Wallasey |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 20 January 1988 |
| Architect(s) | Edmund Kirby |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 1888 |
| Completed | 1889 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Stone, slate roof |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Our Lady Star of the Sea and St Joseph, Wallasey |
| Diocese | Shrewsbury |
The Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea is a beautiful old church located in Wheatland Lane, Seacombe, which is part of Wallasey in Merseyside, England. It's a Roman Catholic church that is still actively used today for worship. It belongs to the diocese of Shrewsbury. This church is also a special building because it's listed as a Grade II building on the National Heritage List for England, meaning it's important and protected for its history and architecture.
Contents
A Look Back at the Church's Story
How the Church Began
The story of this church started in 1860 when a group called the Seacombe Mission was formed. At first, Roman Catholics in Seacombe gathered to worship in the top room of a house.
In 1862, a building was constructed that served as both a school and a chapel. As more people moved to the area, a piece of land was bought in 1870. A house for the priest (called a presbytery) and a new school were built there. For a while, part of the school was used as the chapel.
Building the Church
In 1883, a local person left money in their will, which helped fund the building of a proper church. Edmund Kirby was chosen as the architect, who is like the designer of the building. The first stone was laid in 1888, and the church officially opened its doors in July 1889.
Changes Over Time
The church suffered some minor damage from bombs during the Second World War. After the war, it was repaired and made new again. The inside of the church was updated a few times, including a big renovation in 2006, to make it more suitable for modern worship.
Exploring the Church's Design
Outside the Church
The Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea is built from stone and has a roof made of slate. The main part of the church, called the nave, has five sections. It has a clerestory, which is an upper level with windows to let in light. On the sides of the nave are north and south aisles, which have sloping roofs. There's also a small chapel on the south side.
The front of the church, known as the west front, has a rounded doorway. Above this doorway are five tall, narrow windows called lancet windows. At the very top of the west front, there's a large round window, often called a rose window, which is very decorative.
On the north side of the church, you'll see two sections with gabled roofs and rose windows. These areas were used as confessionals, where people could speak privately with a priest. There's also a covered entrance, or porch, and a special area for baptisms called a baptistry.
Inside the Church
When you step inside, the nave and the chancel (the area near the altar) are all one open space with a single, curved ceiling that looks a bit like the inside of a wagon. The main walkways are separated by five arcades, which are rows of arches supported by round pillars.
The pulpit, where the priest gives sermons, is shaped like an octagon and made of stone. It has shiny marble columns. The main altar and the reredos (a decorated screen behind the altar) were added around 1900. They are covered with colorful marble panels.
On either side of the arch leading to the chancel, there are statues of Our Lady and Saint Joseph. These statues are placed under decorative covers, like small roofs. The beautiful stained glass in the east window was put there to remember those who died in the First World War.
More to See
- Listed buildings in Wallasey
