Denton Parish Church (St Lawrence)

St Lawrence's Church, Denton, is a timber framed church and is one of only 29 surviving timber-framed churches and chapels in England.

DENTON PARISH CHURCH - This church was reopened on Sunday, after undergoing considerable enlargement, the present building being more than double the size of the old one. The old part of the church remains as before, and the new work has been carried out in such a manner as to retain the quaint peculiar character of the ancient building. The old church was of the simplest form, consisting of a parallelogram, about 26 yards long, by rather more than eight yards wide. It seems originally to have had no chancel, but during the incumbency of Mr Greswell, a former rector, a chancel - or, at least, a tiny eastern recess, little more than 8 feet by 6 feet - was built. There is now a spacious chancel, with arcaded open screens dividing it from the nave and side aisles. Some old carved oak panels which were probably part of the former ceiling, have been inserted in the choir seats. The sanctuary, or easternmost part of the chancel, has wooden traceried arcading round the lower part, and above this a wooden diaper with stamped plaster. The sedilla and credence are of pitch pine, as are, with a few exceptions, the rest of the fittings. The east window contains stained glass, with a representation of the crucifixion in the centre light, the four acts of mercy being arranged in the lights on either side. The additional accommodation is contained in short north and south aisles, half of which flank the nave and the other half the chancel. The old mode of construction ie the timber framing filled in between with lath and plaster - outside and in, has been maintained throughout; and whatever may be its merits or demerits, it is incontestable that it is a most effective and picturesque mode of building. The roof is covered with grey stone slates, with plain stone ridges, with the exception of that of the chancel, which is slightly ornamental. There are boldly projecting eaves and gables, and low broad mullioned windows. The eastern cross is worked in the shape of the symbol of St Lawrence, to whom the church is dedicated. There is further work already in the hands of the architects, Messrs Medland and Henry Taylor; for instance, the improvement of the west gallery, the formation of a baptistry at the nort-west corner of the church, a new turret, and a lean-to porch to the west door. [Manchester Guardian 9 April 1873 page 7].

Reference           Manchester Guardian 9 April 1873 page 7 - reopening