St Mary’s Church Hawkshaw Tottington

In 1877 an architectural competition was held to select designs for a new church at Hawkshaw, the first premium being awarded to Maxwell and Tuke of Bury. The necessary funds proved difficult to raise. A start was made in 1881 when the site was fenced and the foundations laid, but work was then held in abeyance until 1890 when a contract was finally let for £3,100. The church was consecrated on 10 March 1892 although the intended tower was never built.

The design of Messrs Maxwell and Tuke of Bury, submitted in a limited competition for this proposed new church have been accepted by the committee. The estimated cost of this new building is over £3,000. [British Architect 26 October 1877 Page 220]

TO STONEMASONS – Tenders are required for BUILDING the FOUNDATION WALLS and FENCING the SITE of the New Church of St Mary, Hawkshaw near Tottington. For further particulars apply to Maxwell and Tuke, architects, 29 Princess Street, Manchester and Peel Chambers Bury. [Manchester Guardian 3 September 1881 Page 10 – contracts]

A new church of St. Mary is about to be built at Hawkshaw, near Tottington, Lancashire, from the plans of Messrs. Maxwell aud Tuke, of Manchester and Bury. [Building News 16 September 1881 page 376]

The contract for this work has been let to Messrs. Thompson & Brierley, builders and contractors, of Bury, their estimate being £3,100. The architects for the work are Messrs. Maxwell & Tuke, of Manchester. [Builder 19 July 1890 page 53]

St. Mary's district, Hawkshaw-lane, Holcombe, is being provided with a new church, the foundation stones of which were recently laid by Mrs W. R. Rigg and Mrs. Whowell. The site of the intended structure adjoins the Hawkshaw Lane School, in which divine service has for some time been conducted by the local clergy. The foundations of the new church were commenced some years since, but from various causes the work was not proceeded with. Messrs. Maxwell and Tyke, architects of this city, have prepared plans for a church, to cost about £4,000 but it is not intended at present to carry out the plans in their entirety. [Manchester Courier - Friday 19 September 1890 page 6]

Reference    British Architect 26 October 1877 Page 220 (Competitions) - check date
Reference    Builder XXXV. Page 1115 Competition entry. Placed first
Reference    Manchester Guardian 3 September 1881 Page 10 – contracts
Reference    Building News 16 September 1881 page 376
Reference    Builder 19 July 1890 page 53
Reference    Manchester Courier - Friday 19 September 1890 page 6
ICBS 09528   Proposed New Church: Grant Rejected – no plans in archive
Reference    Pevsner, South East Lancashire