Priory Church of St Thomas, School Lane, Upholland. New Chancel and Restoration

RESTORATIOIN OF UPHOLLAND CHURCH - The Wigan Observer says: " The first instalment of this work is now to be commenced, the committee having entrusted the re--flooring to Mr. Butler Holmes, who has lately been so successful at All Saints', Hindley. The grand proportions of the handsome church strike one with admiration now that the high square pews have been removed, and it is impossible to help hoping that the ugly galleries may soon follow them into limbo. Even the musty smell that has so long hung about the church though it has been at times positively offensive had not prepared us for the state of things now revealed by the removal or the pew floors. Some of the graves must have partially fallen in at different periods. and even in the few places where the ground is fairly level there are signs of hasty and disorderly interments, as heaps of loose earth and broken pieces of gravestones are found lying about at haphazard in the most extraordinary manner. Nor again, (in spite of the too obvious proofs of vandalism afforded by the injured pillars where the galleries are fitted on to them), were we quite prepared to find the same ruthless treatment of beautiful stonework had been concealed by the woodwork of the pews on the floor of the church. We only hope it may not be impossible to repair these mutilations. It will be remembered that the whole work of restoration, including external repair and the extension of the church eastwards by one bay to form a chancel and an organ chamber, was estimated by Mr. Champneys, the architect, as £4500. [Manchester Guardian 6 February 1882 page 6]

Reference    Manchester Guardian 6 February 1882 page 6
Reference    Manchester Guardian 23 February 1907 page 7 with illustration