Restoration: St James’s Church Didsbury

On Friday October 20 this church was re-opened after having undergone important alterations, the sermon being preached by the Bishop of Manchester. The original building, according to a local authority, was one of the most ancient outlying chapels in the parish of Manchester. In 1235 it was probably only a private oratory, limited to the use of the Lord of the Manor, or the influential persons who planned its erection, but increasing. in importance and size in proportion as the tenantry were permitted to worship in it, it became a parochial chapel in 1352. In 1620 it was rebuilt, and then, for the first time, a tower was added. At the eastern extremity of the north aisle, where the nave and chancel join, was a clear space about 9feet by 6 feet, which marked the Barlow Chapel, the Barlows being an influential Roman Catholic family in the adjacent township of Chorlton, whose more customary place of interment, however, was in the Collegiate Church (now the cathedral) of Manchester. A corresponding space on the opposite side marked the Mosley Chapel, being for the use and benefit of the family who owned, amongst other lands, "Hough's End Clough." The principal monument in the church is to the memory of Sir Nicholas Mosley, of the Hough, and formerly Lord Mayor of London, and bears the date of 1612, which is associated with Queen Elizabeth, from whom Sir Nicholas appears to have received some handsome presents of furniture for valuable services rendered by raising 6.000 soldiers and sixteen ships of war to meet an apprehended attack of the Spaniards, to avenge the catastrophe of the Armada by a fresh attack upon England. At a subsequent date the two chapels appear to have been formed into a continuation eastward of the north and south aisles, pewing placed therein, and arches (two on each side) formed opening towards the chancel; north and south galleries, and a west or organ gallery, were also erected.  At a more recent date the outside walling was refaced with stone, and rich Perpendicular traceried windows replaced those which appeared as though they had been borrowed from the adjoining cottages.

In the present alteration the church has been extended eastward by the addition of a new chancel, 30feet by 19 feet, the old chancel being taken in and pewed. for a continuation of the nave, which previously was too short, and which is still further improved by the taking down of the cumbersome north and south galleries. May they soon be followed by the west gallery, and a more suitable place found for the organ! The new chancel arch is of stone, boldly proportioned; double shafts are ranged at sides, with moulded octagon caps and bases, these carrying deeply‑shadowed arch and label mouldings with carved boss terminations. The pulpit is of oak, hexagon in plan, with carved and uncarved panels, and buttresses at angles with cap mouldings, bearing a memorial inscription. It has been made by Messrs Sidebotham and Company, of Manchester, from the architect's designs. The reading‑desk is also of oak, with open traceried front, and shaped and traceried ends. The side windows of chancel are filled in with memorial stained‑glass windows, in illustration of the following subjects: “Abraham offering up Isaac,” “The Good Samaritan,” “The Parable of the Pharisee and Publican,” “Christ blessing little children,” and “Christ teaching in the Temple.” These windows are by Messrs. Lavers, Barraud, & Westlake. The east window is also filled with stained glass, removed only from its old position and re-fixed. The reredos, a former gift of the present rector, has been re-fixed. [British Architect 2 April 1875 Page 194]

Reference           British Architect 2 April 1875 Page 194