All Hallows’ Church, All Hallows Road, Bispham, Blackpool

The third building on the site of the original church of the parish of Bispham, until 1821 the only church in Blackpool; incorporates fragments of early C12th masonry. Stone with slate roofs. Nave, chancel, west tower, in minimally Early English style. Tower with angle-buttresses, squinch-set stair turret on north side, 3 belfry louvres on east side parapet and pinnacles. Nave of 5 bays, buttressed, a gabled porch to the west bay, and one pair of single-light cusped windows in each of the other bays. Chancel with transepts, the northern one very short; each has 2 pairs of similar windows, and a round trefoil window in the gable. Triple light east window. South doorway is 1883 restoration of Norman original, incorporating fragments of original masonry: principally, 2 pairs of scalloped capitals on each side, and an uncertain number of chevron-patterned voussoirs in the outer band; middle band of raised chevrons with carved signs of the zodiac is Victorian interpretation of signs said to have been found carved upon originals when whitewash was removed (VCH Vol. 7 p. 244). Interior: king-post roof on arched braces rising from wall posts supported by stone corbels; ground floor of tower wall incorporates an ancient piscina hewn from a square block, a round arch with hollowed spandrels above it; north transept has painted wooden Commandment Table on west wall.

It is intended to complete the rebuilding of All Hallows' Church, Bispham, near Blackpool, which will include four additional bays in the nave and the erection of a tower, in the course of 1881‑2. By the extra bay in the church already completed, about 100 additional sittings have been secured. The new structure, which is of Early English design, is being erected from the drawings of Mr John Lowe, architect, of Manchester. [Building News 6 May 1881 Page 529]

Builders desirous of sending in tenders for the whole or any trades required in the REBUILDING of this CHURCH may inspect the drawings and specifications and obtain copy of the bills of quantities at the offices of the architect (Mr John Lowe) 22 Mansfield Chambers, St Ann’s Square, Manchester. Tenders to be returned on or before 2pm on Thursday 22 January. John Lowe FIBA Architect 3 January 1880 [Manchester Guardian 10 January 1880 page 10]

Reference    Manchester Guardian 3 January 1880 page 11- contracts
Reference    Manchester Guardian 10 January 1880 page 10 – contracts
Reference    Manchester Guardian 3 May 1881 page 6
Reference    Building News 6 May 1881 Page 529 – taken verbatim from Manchester Guardian
Reference    Pevsner: Lancashire: North