Church of St. Thomas, Lees Field, near Oldham

CONSECRATION OF ST. THOMAS'S CHURCH, LEES, NEAR OLDHAM—This church is a very large and very handsome structure, designed in the “Perpendicular” style of architecture, by Mr Shellard, of this city, so extensively known as an ecclesiastical architect. It consists of a nave, north and south aisles, south porch, with a parvise over, and a spacious chancel. The tower, through lack of funds to complete the good work which has been so happily begun, is only carried a few feet above the ground line. When finished, the tower will be a fine feature, from its great height and proportionate bulk, and will greatly add to the finished appearance of the edifice. The aisles are divided into six compartments, by means of buttresses supporting crocketted pinnacles. The interior of the church has two rows of stone pillars, supporting moulded arches. There is also a fine moulded arch leading from the nave to the chancel, springing from moulded stone corbels. The roofs are all of open timber work, of simple but correct design ; that to the chancel is also boarded.— Accommodation for 1,000 persons has been obtained; and of the sittings a great many are free and unappropriated All the walls are built of stone of the neighbourhood, the ashlar being exceedingly well dressed. The tracery of the windows is particularly well executed; and the whole work reflects great credit upon the contractors, Messrs Coulthurst and Foggett, of Cheetham Hill, near this city. The consecration of this structure took place on Wednesday forenoon, by the Right Rev the Bishop of Manchester. [Manchester Courier 24 June 1848 page 6]

Reference    Manchester Courier 12 October 1844 page 6 – foundation stone
Reference    Manchester Courier 23 March 1844 page 6
Reference    Manchester Guardian 4 January 1845 page 7- contracts
Reference    Manchester Guardian 18 January 1845 page 8 – contracts
Reference    Manchester Courier 3 January 1846 page 8 - contracts
Reference    Whellan Directory of Manchester. 1853 Page 684

Reference    Manchester Guardian Saturday 3 January 1846 Page 10 (Contracts)
Reference    Manchester Guardian Saturday 1 May 1847 Page 11 (Contracts)
Reference    Manchester Guardian Saturday 8 May 1847 Page 2 (Contracts)
Reference    Manchester Guardian Saturday 15 May 1847 Page 2 (Contracts)
Reference    Manchester Courier 24 June 1848 page 6 – consecration
Reference    Manchester Guardian 24 June 1848 page 7 - consecration

ICBS 03500 New Church - Grant: Approved (CBC grant)
Reference    Minutes: Volume 12 pages 114,257, Volume 13 page 134
Drawings     Ground plan (after work); Gallery (after work)