Church of St Peter and St Paul

In the heart of the market town of Ormskirk, Lancashire, stands the magnificent Church of St Peter and St Paul, a beacon of history and architectural splendor. This church, dating back to no later than the 12th century, is a unique gem in England's ecclesiastical heritage, distinguished by its rare feature of having both a tower and a spire at the same end. As an active Anglican parish church in the Diocese of Liverpool, it continues to serve its community while welcoming visitors from near and far.

A Journey Through History

The origins of the Church of St Peter and St Paul are shrouded in mystery, with evidence suggesting that a place of worship existed on this site during Saxon times. The current structure, however, began to take shape in the 12th century. The north wall of the chancel, dating from around 1170, is the oldest surviving part of the building and features a heavily restored Norman window. As you explore the church, you will notice the south chancel arches from around 1280, which once led to a chapel of the same era, now replaced by the 16th-century Derby Chapel.

The 15th century brought significant additions to the church, including the steeple and the Scarisbrick Chapel. The spire, though rebuilt in 1790 and 1832, still stands as a testament to the church's enduring legacy. The large west tower, constructed around 1540-50, was built to house the bells from Burscough Priory following its dissolution by Henry VIII. These additions make Ormskirk one of only three churches in England to boast both a tower and a spire, a feature that continues to intrigue visitors.

Architectural Marvels

The Church of St Peter and St Paul is a striking example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture, constructed from coursed squared sandstone with stone slate roofs. The church's layout includes a nave with north and south aisles, with the steeple prominently positioned at the west end of the south aisle. The steeple itself is part of a distinctive group of local structures that transition from a square tower to an octagonal spire via a broached octagonal belfry, reaching an impressive height of approximately 109 feet (33 meters).

The large square tower, standing at around 84 feet (26 meters) high and 40 feet (12 meters) square, features three unequal stages and diagonal buttresses. The uppermost stage is adorned with a crenellated parapet and crocketed pinnacles, while the arched three-light belfry windows with stone louvres and uncusped intersecting tracery are characteristic of local 16th-century Gothic design. The nave aisles' Gothic windows are the result of a restoration by the Lancaster architects Paley and Austin between 1877 and 1891, during which the church underwent extensive renovations.

Inside the Church

Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by the wooden ceiling of the nave, supported by carved hammerbeam trusses. The five-bay aisle arcades feature moulded piers and two-centred arches, while a chamfered arch connects the steeple to the south aisle. The vestry, located in the western wall, contains an unglazed window that opens into the north aisle, complete with its original iron stanchions and saddle bars.

The Derby Chapel, a highlight of the church, is enclosed by a 17th-century wooden screen with high balusters and wrought iron fleur-de-lis cresting. Within the chapel, you will find three alabaster effigies, likely representing Thomas Stanley, 1st Earl of Derby, and his two wives, along with two tomb chests. The Scarisbrick Chapel, another notable feature, contains a hatchment and a wall monument. The church is also the final resting place of several Earls of Derby, including James Stanley, 7th Earl of Derby.

The Bells and Burials

The church's tower houses a ring of eight bells, cast in 1948 by John Taylor & Co of Loughborough, and a bell cast in 1576 by Henry Oldfield of Nottingham, which is no longer in use. The churchyard is home to the war graves of 15 Commonwealth service personnel from World War I and 12 from World War II, as well as the grave of Second Boer War Victoria Cross recipient William Edward Heaton.

A Living Landmark

The Church of St Peter and St Paul in Ormskirk is not just a historical monument but a living, breathing part of the community. Its walls tell the stories of centuries past, from Saxon times through the medieval era and into the present day. Visitors to this remarkable church will find themselves immersed in a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and spirituality, making it an unmissable destination for anyone exploring the heritage of Lancashire.