St Peter's Church, Formby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Peter's Church, Formby |
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St Peter's Church, Formby, from the southeast
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| OS grid reference | SD 299 083 |
| Location | Green Lane, Formby, Sefton, Merseyside |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Website | St Peter, Formby |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Dedication | Saint Peter |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 19 July 1966 |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Georgian and Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 1746 |
| Completed | 1873 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Partly brick with stone dressings and partly stone, slate roofs |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Formby |
| Deanery | Sefton |
| Archdeaconry | Liverpool |
| Diocese | Liverpool |
| Province | York |
St Peter's Church is a historic church located in Formby, Merseyside, England. It is an active Anglican parish church within the diocese of Liverpool. The church was first built in 1746. It replaced an older chapel that was destroyed by a storm.
The original part of the church was built in the Georgian style. Later, in 1873, the church was made bigger at its east end. This newer part was built in the Gothic Revival style. St Peter's Church is an important building. It is officially recognized as a Grade II listed building.
Contents
History of the Church
The church started as an old chapel called 'The Ancient Chapelry of Formby, St Peter'. This chapel was part of a larger parish. It was located close to the sea. However, a big storm in 1739 destroyed it.
A new church was then built in 1746. This new building was placed closer to the center of Formby. The first church had special seating areas called box pews. The pulpit was on the south side. Around 1830, a staircase was added. This led to a new gallery at the west end.
In 1873, the church was made much larger. A new chancel, sanctuary, vestry, and a special chapel were added. The porch was built in 1884. The roof was replaced in 1900. In 1935, two galleries inside the church were removed. The vestry was also made bigger around this time.
What Does the Church Look Like?
Outside the Church
St Peter's Church has a nave with three sections. It also has a narrow tower at the west end. These parts were built in 1746. The chancel, north vestry, and south chapel were added in 1873.
The older parts (from 1746) are made of brick with stone details. They show the Georgian style. The newer parts (from 1873) are made of stone. They are in the Gothic Revival style. All the roofs are made of slate.
The church has round-headed windows. These windows have special designs. The porch is made of timber and has glass. The tower has a porch at its base. Above this, there is a round window. At the very top of the tower is a bell section. It has openings for the bells. On top of this is a small dome called a cupola.
The chancel has strong supports called buttresses. It has a large east window with three sections. This window has Geometrical patterns. There is a cross on the roof above it. The chapel has two windows.
Inside the Church
Inside St Peter's Church, the roof has special wooden supports. A gallery at the west end is held up by slim wooden columns. The church has an old painted board from 1830. It also has royal arms from 1710 and an old chest from 1740.
There is an arcade between the chancel and the chapel. This means there are arches supported by columns. The pulpit is an older style, from the 17th century. It was moved here from another church in Liverpool. The stained glass in the east window was made by Shrigley and Hunt.
The church has a pipe organ. The first organ was built in 1885. It was rebuilt and made bigger in 1949 as a war memorial. It was changed again in 1970 and 1982. In 2002, a new organ was installed. It used parts from the old organ and new pipes. The church tower has eight tubular bells. They were first rung by hand. Since 2010, they are rung using electricity.
Why is St Peter's Church Special?
St Peter's Church was officially recognized as a Grade II listed building on July 19, 1966. Grade II is the lowest of three grades. It means the building is "nationally important and of special interest."
Some experts have noted the difference in styles. The original Georgian part and the 1873 Gothic Revival additions create a "jarring contrast." This makes the church very unique.
Other Interesting Features
The Sundial
In the churchyard, south of the church, there is a sundial. It is made of stone. It has a column with a square top. On top of the sundial is a metal plate, but the pointer (called a gnomon) is missing. This sundial is also listed as Grade II. It is thought to be from the 17th century, not the 18th century as previously believed.
The War Memorial Cross
There is also a cross in the churchyard. This cross is a restored version of one first put up in France in 1916. It was placed there by soldiers of the 12th battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment. The cross was a memorial to officers who died during the Battle of the Somme in World War I.
The original metal plaque is still attached to the cross. It lists the names of eight officers who died. One of the names is Kenneth Hutchings. He was a famous England Test cricket player.
St Peter's Church Today
St Peter's is a busy parish church today. It is part of the diocese of Liverpool. The church holds services every Sunday and during the week. It also hosts baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
Many groups and activities are run by the church. Music is very important in their worship. A mixed choir sings at the main services.
See also
- Listed buildings in Formby
