Building Name

St Alban’s Church and Vicarage, Manchester (Old) Road, Rochdale

Date
1854 - 1856
Street
Manchester (Old) Road
District/Town
Rochdale
County/Country
GMCA, England
Architect
Work
New build
Status
Demolished

The church of which a view of the interior appears in our present number, was erected two or three years ago; but through the liberality of Mr Jonathan Nield, of Dunster House, in the parish of Rochdale, constant additions are being made to the building, decoratively or structurally. Mr Nield is now about to undertake the entire decoration of the chancel, in a manner corresponding with his former munificence, and with the character of the church.

The building was designed and carried into execution by Mr. Joseph Clarke, F.S.A.; and the additional decorations are designed by him, and are being executed under his superintendence by artists of a high class. It is proposed, for the reredos, to paint a tryptich, after the manner of the early Florentine painters, the subjects to be “The Lord’s Supper” with others supplementary. The east wall, above the string-coarse, will be painted in fresco, adopting the new water-glass process, with subjects from the Incarnation of Our Lord; whilst the lower part, in a line with the reredos, is proposed to be enriched with Algerian onyx marbles, and ceramic work. A series painted similarly in fresco, “the subjects taken from the miracles or parables of Christ, or from the lives of the saints”, will occupy the upper part of the north and south walls. The lower part of these walls will be coloured, in diaper or otherwise.

The roof, which is panelled in wood, will be richly coloured throughout, and painted with a representation of a choir of Angels. The stone-work of the arches, &c, will be slightly enriched with colour. At the sides of the chancel-arch, the Commandments will be written; and above, will be the seven Acts of Mercy, or other subjects. The present tiles will be removed and a more appropriate floor re-laid. The whole of the enrichments are Intended to be of a very costly character; and when completed, they will probably attract much attention.

This description, it may be observed, includes some details of a high-art class which do not appear in the view. Both view and description, of course, are founded on data supplied to us; but we may infer, that since the engraving was commenced, the decoration in the design has expanded in richness and quantity of details. [The Builder, 28 August 1863.]

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF A NEW CHURCH - On Saturday last the foundation stone of a new church, dedicated to St. Alban was laid at West Hill, Rochdale, by Mr A. Brierley, in the presence of some thousands of spectators. [Manchester Guardian 19 July 1854 page 7]

CONSECRATION OF ST ALBAN'S CHURCH - The ceremony of consecrating St. Alban's Church, the erection of which has recently been completed at Pinfold, Rochdale, was performed on Saturday last by the Lord Bishop of Manchester. The erection of this church was commenced on the 15 July, 1854, the foundation stone being laid by Mr Abraham Brierley, of West Hill. The church is a fine specimen of architecture. It stands upon an eminence which commands an extensive view of the valley of the river Roche. Its spire, which is conical and stands on the south-west angle. Is about 75 feet high. The character of the architecture is the decorative, and much of the style prevalent in the fourth (sic) century has been introduced. The central part of the ceiling, which is pitched at a great height, and is open to the roof, stands upon three arches. The floor is laid with coloured tiles; the windows are of plain glass, here and there a little pale green is introduced - beyond that there is no coloured glass. The seats are not of the ordinary character of pews, they are massive in appearance, low and convenient for the people. The chancel is elevated by an ascent of three steps from the floor of the church. This floor is also of coloured tiles; but the portion round the communion table, which is placed under the east window, is laid with tiles of a mosaic pattern. This portion is separated from the rest of the chancel by a step and railing elegantly painted. The pulpit, which is built of stone, is placed at the front, and on the north side of the chancel; in shape it is a semi-octagon. In the centre of the three faces opposite the congregation, three ovals have been cut out, and in the centre oval a bust of St Alban is placed, holding with his right hand a cross upon his left breast. On the opposite side of the chancel, but also fronting the congregation, is erected a plain reading desk; and immediately behind that, but at right angles to it, there is a similar desk for prayers. Between the pulpit, the reading and the prayer desks and the communion table, four stalls have been placed - two on each side of the chancel, facing each other. These are for the choir. On the south side of the choir is the organ chamber, and though that there is a communication with the vestry. There is no accommodation for a clerk. The choir and congregation will therefore make the responses. There is no gallery, except a small one against the west end window for the children of the district. The total cost of the erection has been between £4,000 and £5,000. [Manchester Guardian 4 February 1856 page 4]

The site for a new church at Pinfold was given by Abraham Brierley of Rochdale in September 1854 and St. Alban's was consecrated on 2 February 1856. The last service in St. Alban's church was held on 17 January 1971.St. Alban's church was declared redundant by Order in Council, 23 June 1971, (London Gazette, 25 June 1971), and ordered to be demolished by Order in Council, 27 October 1971, (London Gazette, 28 October 1971).

Reference    The Builder, 28 August 1863 page 620
Reference    The Builder, 28 August 1863 page 621 – illustration
Reference    Manchester Guardian 19 July 1854 page 7 – foundation
Reference    Manchester Guardian 4 February 1856 page 4 – consecration