Introduction to Ormskirk Heritage Project - celebrating 1000 years of history

The Ormskirk Parish Church Heritage Project seeks to broaden public awareness of the thousand-year history evolution of this building into the form in which we find it today. It is unique among English churches in having a tower and a spire adjacent to each other, both at the west end.
As a result of this unique characteristic, and being the oldest standing building in the area.
Recent investigations of its architecture have cast significant doubt on the published histories and we now look to redress that inaccuracy
The church was the burial place of the Earls of Derby and other branches of the Stanley family until 1851. These range from the First Earl, responsible for securing victory for Henry Tudor at Bosworth, to the Seventh Earl, beheaded at Bolton by Cromwell's forces and returned to the family vault here in two coffins! As such, it was significant in both the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War. Recent architectural investigations have posed more questions than they have answered.
We now seek to roll out the visitor experience to as wide an audience as possible, enabling the public to make sense of the hidden gem which has been sitting in plain sight and, in doing so, seeking to secure the future of this wonderful piece of national history for generations to come!

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

10:00-16:00; 19:30-20:30

Sunday 14 September:

13:00-16:00; 19:30-20:30

Saturday 20 September:

10:00-16:00

Sunday 21 September:

13:00-16:00

Location & directions

New Church House, Church Street, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 3RD

Directions:

Approaching along A59 from Liverpool: Pass Christ Church, Aughton (the large church on the top of the hill) and descend into Ormskirk. At the large roundabout, take the right-hand fork (3rd exit, signposted Town Centre). Go straight on at mini-roundabout. At traffic lights, tn. left. Pass Morrisons on left. As road swings around to the right, follow it round up the hill and the church will become obvious on your left. Follow the one-way system past the church, bearing right and turning 1st rt. into Stiles Car Park. Parking fees apply; £1 for 3 hours. Parking is free after 5:30pm

Contact on day:

Mark D Rawsthorn

Telephone number:

+447764255147

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

The building is fully accessible to wheelchair users although some parts require careful negotiation by virtue of space available. Parking on-site is difficult; visitors should head for one of the large public car parks nearby.

Additional information

Church will be open at stated times for visitors to browse and join in tours. Presentations will take place on Saturdays at 19:30pm, focusing on use of archaeology (13 Sept) and the heritage of the church (20 September)

Max no of people per tour:

25

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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