Church of St Nicholas, Church Lane, Newchurch, Rossendale

The original church was built about 1511. Another was built on the same site in 1561 and enlarged in 1753. By 1820 the church was in a dilapidated condition, an old drawing showing vegetation growing from the roof of the tower. In June 1823, tenders were sought for the “Enlargement of the Parochial Chapel” following which work began on a third church dedicated to St Nicholas, in 1824.

It was consecrated on the 12th September 1826 by Dr Blomfield, the bishop of Chester, on one of his diocesan tours. (Two days earlier hr had consecrated Stand Church). A stone plaque over the West door is lettered and dated: GEO 1V REX 1825. The architect of the new church was Matthew Atkinson, a Malster, of Bacup, John Haworth and Brother from Fearns were the builders and Messrs Thomas Ashworth and Brothers supplied the stone from Seat Naze.  Galleries were constructed above the north and south aisles and the east gallery was removed.

Although the notice of consecration referred to the church as being “newly erected,” it would seem that parts of the earlier structure were retained and incorporated into the new fabric. It would also appear that the statement in the listing notice that the 1825 parts of this church are an unusual example of 'self-build' by the parishioners without an architect is open to question.  Church records indicate that Matthew Atkinson of Bacup was responsible for the design

To Stone Masons, Carpenters – TO BE LET BY TICKET at the house of Mr Geo Ormrod, the Black Dog Inn, Newchurch, on Thursday 5 June 1823 at four o’clock in the afternoon. The enlarging of the Parochial Chapel of Newchurch in Rossendale, according to specifications already made out and which may be seen on application to Mr churchwarden, any time previous to the Day of Letting. Newchurch, 26 May 1823. [Dobbs:  Like a Mighty Tortoise, page 135]

The consecration of the Newly-erected Parochial Chapel of Newchurch, Rossendale, will take place on Tuesday 12 September 1826. The Right Rev Doctor Blomfield, the Lord Bishop of Chester, will preach the consecration sermon. The service will commence at ten o’clock in the morning.  [Dobbs:  Like a Mighty Tortoise, page 135]