Church of St Mary, Oldham Road, Balderstone, Rochdale

CONSECRATION OF NEW CHURCH IN ROCHDALE - The new Church of St Mary, Balderstone, Rochdale, was consecrated yesterday by the Bishop of Manchester. The site of the new church adjoins the main Oldham Road and the style of architecture is the decorated Gothic. The building is well lighted by a number of large and handsome windows, among which are a large five-light traceried window in the east chancel gable, a two-light window which lights the sanctuary, a three-light traceried window in the east gable of the organ chamber, and a rose window over 10 feet in diameter in the north gable of the transept. At the north-west corner is a steeple with a tower and spire rising to a height of nearly 150 feet; and under this is a porch forming the main entrance to the church. At the south-west corner is another entrance, through a gabled porch. All the windows are of stained glass, and the interior of the building, which is handsome and commodious, is very tastefully fitted up and decorated. The church completes a group of buildings comprising also a vicarage and schools, erected by the liberality of the Messrs Radcliffe of Rochdale. The architects are Messrs Medland and Henry Taylor, Manchester, and the general contractor is Mr Mark Foggett. [Manchester Guardian 2 July 1872 page 4]

Large, with a north-west steeple. Inside, four‑light stone screens between chancel and organ chamber and vestry. The only true Taylor touch is the north transept exterior. (The interior has polished granite columns and a central space with high transeptal arches and a yet higher chancel arch. The chancel roof is braced and cusped and panelled. The other roofs have scissor trusses. Worthwhile carving, especially of the roundels over the arcades. School south of the church, Parsonage south of the school.

Reference    Builder 13 February 1869 Page 134 (tenders for new church at Balderstone Rochdale)
Reference    Building News 12 February 1869 page 147
Reference    Manchester Guardian 2 July 1872 page 4 - consecration