St Peter's Church, Woolton, Liverpool facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Peter's Church, Woolton |
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St Peter's Church, Woolton, from its yard
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| OS grid reference | SJ 423 869 |
| Location | Church Road, Woolton, Liverpool, Merseyside |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | St Peter's, Woolton |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* |
| Designated | 14 March 1975 |
| Architect(s) | Grayson and Ould |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic Revival (Perpendicular) |
| Groundbreaking | 1886 |
| Completed | 1887 |
| Specifications | |
| Spire height | 90 feet (27 m) |
| Materials | Sandstone |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Much Woolton |
| Deanery | Liverpool South Childwall |
| Archdeaconry | Liverpool |
| Diocese | Liverpool |
| Province | York |
St Peter's Church is a beautiful old church located in Woolton, a part of Liverpool, England. It's an active Anglican church, meaning it's part of the Church of England. This church is quite special because it's listed as a Grade II* building, which means it's very important historically and architecturally. It's also one of the biggest churches in Liverpool, and its tall bell tower stands on the highest point of the city. You might also know this church because it has a cool connection to The Beatles!
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History of St Peter's Church
Back in 1826, a smaller chapel was built near where the church stands today. It was made of sandstone and could fit about 200 people. As the town of Woolton grew, more people needed a bigger church. Also, many people didn't really like the style of the old chapel.
So, in 1886, they started building a brand new church. Local architects named Grayson and Ould designed it, and it was finished in 1887. Later, in 1989, an extra part was added to the west side of the church. This new part includes a cool eight-sided hall.
Architecture and Design
Outside the Church
St Peter's Church is built from red sandstone. It's a very large church designed in a style called Perpendicular Gothic. This style was popular in England a long time ago. The church is big enough to seat almost 500 people!
The church has a main area called the nave, and side sections called aisles. It also has a south porch, a north transept (a part that sticks out), and a chancel (the area around the altar). There's also a tall tower on the southwest side. This tower is about 90 feet (27 meters) high! It has special stone supports called buttresses and a fancy top with gargoyles and pinnacles. The windows are large, letting in lots of light.
Inside the Church
Inside, the church has rows of arches called arcades supported by columns. The main part of the church, the nave, has a special type of wooden ceiling called a hammerbeam roof. In the chapel, there's a ceiling with painted designs.
The reredos, which is a decorated screen behind the altar, has five painted pictures from 1905. The baptismal font, used for baptisms, is made of alabaster and has a fancy carved cover. The pulpit, where sermons are given, is also made of alabaster and is decorated with angels. You'll also see beautiful wrought iron screens.
Most of the stained glass windows were made by C. E. Kempe, a famous artist. There are also two windows by another well-known company, Morris & Co.. You can also find a memorial inside dedicated to those who served in the First World War.
The church has a large pipe organ with three keyboards and 38 different sounds. It has 2,338 pipes! The tower also holds ten bells that can be rung.
Outside the Churchyard
At the entrance to the churchyard, there's a big, fancy lychgate. This gate was also designed by the same architects, Grayson and Ould, around the same time the church was built. It has a wooden roof on a stone base, with beautifully carved wood. On top of the lychgate is a cross. This lychgate is also a Grade II listed building, showing its importance.
In the churchyard, there's another memorial for the First World War. It's in an Art Nouveau style and has a Celtic cross on it. You can also find the grave of Bob Paisley (1919–1996) here, who was a famous football player and manager for Liverpool F.C..
The Beatles Connection
St Peter's Church has a very famous link to music history! On July 6, 1957, John Lennon first met Paul McCartney in the church hall of St Peter's. At the time, John was playing with his band, The Quarrymen. Paul later joined the group, and they eventually became The Beatles!
In the churchyard, you can find the grave of a person named Eleanor Rigby. Her name is the same as a famous Beatles' song, which is a fun coincidence. Also buried in the churchyard is John Lennon's uncle, George Toogood Smith, who John lived with when he was a child.
See also
- Grade II* listed buildings in Liverpool – Suburbs
