Christ Church, Bow Lane, Preston

CHRIST CHURCH - The alterations at this church are almost completed, and divine service will be performed tomorrow week. The church has been enlarged by adding transepts at the eastern end, and a semi-circular chancel, forming a cruciform arrangement upon plan, by which means accommodation has been gained for 400 additional sittings upon the ground and gallery floors, making altogether accommodation in the church for 1200 persons. The galleries upon each side have been extended and formed in the transepts, and are approached upon the north and south sides by two additional staircases, thus giving ingress and egress for the congregation, besides the former entrances upon the west or principal front. The architecture of the original structure being of a Norman character, the new parts have been carried out in the same style. The transepts are flanked at each angle with two large pinnacles, and the gable ends are divided into two stages or tiers, similar to the rest of the building, the lower stage containing two circular-headed widows, the upper part or gable being occupied by a Norman window of two lights, and shafted. The staircase erections adjoining the transepts are carried up square externally, the lower part of the one on the north aide being occupied by a vestry. The chancel, which is 18 feet 6 inches wide internally, is of a semi-circular form, and lower than the rest of the building. The windows, which are circular-headed, are separated by flat buttresses. Internally it communicates with the nave by a semi-circular arch, moulded and ornamented with Norman enrichments, springing from slender shafts attached to the jambs. The ceiling is vaulted, the ribs springing from slender columns against the wall, between each window. The transepts, which are 19 feet 6 inches in width internally, open to the nave by means of semi-circular arches, moulded and enriched with the Norman zig-zag and chevron, &c. The roofs are exposed to view, and stained dark to imitate oak. The galleries and pewing are made to correspond with the original work in every respect. The pulpit and desks are placed in the centre, and are ornamented with panelling of Norman character. The exterior shows no evidence whatever of patchwork, the limestone of which the church is erected having kept its colour so well that the old portion of the church is in whiteness and cleanliness in no way inferior to the new. The manner in which the extension of the church has been carried out reflects the highest credit upon the architect, Mr Shellard, of Manchester.  [Preston Chronicle 9 October 1852 page 4]

Reference    Manchester Courier 16 October 1852 page 7
Reference    Preston Chronicle 9 October 1852 page 4