Building Name

St John’s Church Silverdale

Date
1884 - 1886
Street
Emesgate Lane
District/Town
Silverdale, near Carnforth
County/Country
Lancashire, England
Architect
Client
Henry Boddington I
Work
New build
Listed
Grade II*
Contractor
Crossfield Brothers Arnside

Big west tower, Mildly decorated features. Quatrefoil piers with carved angels and other figures. A successful design by a hardly known firm (Pevsner North Lancs)

Built in 1884-5 at the expense of Henry Boddington (I), the Manchester brewer whon had bought “The Cove,” Silverdale and is buried in the churchyard of the old church. This imposing new church was built in 1885 to the designs of William Ball, in the style of the 14th Century. It has a tall tower and striking interior which is unusual for the high quality of the stone carvings by J J Millson. Foundation stone laid on 15 September 1884 by Mrs Fraser, the wife of the Bishop of Manchester.

TO BUILDERS – Persons desirous of tendering for the whole of the work required in BUILDING ST JOHN’S CHURCH, Silverdale, near Carnforth, Lancashire may obtain bills of quantities and any further information from the Architect, Mr WILLIAM BALL, 20 Cooper Street, Manchester. A deposit of one guinea to be made for each copy of quantities which will be returned if a bona fide tender be sent in. No pledge is given to accept the lowest or any tender. [Manchester Guardian 22 March 1884 page10]

CHURCH EXTENSION IN NORTH LANCASHIRE - The foundation stone of a new church for the pretty village of Silverdale, situated at the head of Morecambe Bay, was laid yesterday. The want of additional church accommodation had long been felt, the parish church having become inadequate for the requirements of the place. Plans have been prepared by Mr W Ball of Manchester, and the contract for the erection of the new church was let to Mr James Hatch, of Lancaster, the amount being about £4,600. The site has been given by Mr Boddington of Manchester and Silverdale. Accommodation will be provided for about 336 worshippers. [Manchester Guardian 16 September 1884 Page 8]

SILVERDALE - Yesterday a handsome new church which has been erected at Silverdale, a growing little watering place at the head of Morecambe Bay, was consecrated by the Bishop of Manchester. The edifice, which has been built from designs by Mr W Ball, of Manchester, occupies a commanding site about a quarter of a mile from the old church, which is of a very primitive character. The entire cost has been between £600 and £7000, exclusive of the site, which has been given by Mr H Boddington, of “The Cove.” The foundation stone was laid in September 1884, by Mrs Fraser, wife of the late Bishop. The new church will seat about 340 persons, or 130 more than the old one. [Manchester  Guardian 15 July 1886 page 6]

Reference    Manchester Guardian 22 March 1884 page 10 - contracts
Reference    British Architect. Volume 21. 21 March 1884 Page ii
Reference    Manchester Guardian 21 April 1884 page 8 - contract let to Crossfield Bros, Arnside
Reference    British Architect Volume 21 2 May 1884 Page x (accepted tenders)
Reference    Manchester Guardian 16 September 1884 Page 8 –foundation stone
Reference    Manchester Guardian 15 July 1886 page 6 – consecration