Church of St George, Unsworth

ST. GEORGE'S UNSWORTH - This church is situate near the centre of the somewhat straggling, but populous township of Unsworth, which has hitherto been without any adequate place of worship in connection with the establishment. The church is a plain but neat brick building, having the western front, in which is the principal entrance, next to the main road. The doorway is spacious, and is surmounted by a double lancet window, with a trefoil above, the whole enclosed in a given arch. There are two other lancet windows, one on each side the doorway. The gable is surmounted by a bell turret. Each of the side walls is supported by seven buttresses, in the intervals between which are lancet windows. At the east end, in which is a projection for the chancel, there is a large triple lancet window. The interior of the church is very light and elegant. A gallery extends across the west end, and the body of the church is intersected by a centre aisle, extending from the door to the altar table, and aisles on each side next the walls. The large east window over the altar table contains some stained glass, which has a very pleasing effect. The arches in which it is enclosed are supported by shafts, with round bases and caps. The reading desk and pulpit are placed on opposite sides of the entrance to the chancel, the former on the north side, the latter on the south. The altar is a very beautiful piece of workmanship, comprising six niches, enclosed by arches, which spring from circular shafts supported by bases, and ornamented with angelic figures. There are three similar niches on the right and left of the altar; the whole in plaster, resembling marble. The roof is  underdrawn, but five of the principal supporters are exposed. The body of the church is fitted up with pews, and there is a great many free sittings; altogether, accommodation is provided for about 700. The church has been erected under the superintendence of Mr. Whittaker of the firm of Butterworth and Whittaker, Cross-street, in this town. The builder is Mr. Robert Briggs, of Whitehill. The erection has occupied about 18 months: The funds have been chiefly raised by private subscription, aided by grants from the Diocesan Church Building Society, and the London Society. The cost of the edifice will be about £900. [Manchester Courier - Saturday 1 July 1843 page 3]