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. The First Earl was responsible for securing victory for Henry Tudor at Bosworth; the Seventh Earl was 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. Much of the church's early history has been speculative.
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!

Additional displays by local historical societies during the 18-20th September!!

Presentations will be given on the Heritage Project itself and on new evidence around the early history of the church, disputing the published accounts!

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

1000-1600 & 1730-2030. Presentations: 17:30 'The Ormskirk Heritage Project' and 19:30 'New evidence around the early history of Ormskirk Church'

Sunday 14 September:

1300-1600 & 1730-2030 14:00:Recital on the Ormskirk Organ, containing C18 pipework from the predecessor instrument, by Dan Mansfield (Holy Trinity Southport); Presentations: as per previous day

Thursday 18 September:

1100-1600 Guided tours (no booking required)

Saturday 20 September:

1000-1600. Presentations: 17:30 'New evidence around the early history of Ormskirk Church' and 19:30 'The Ormskirk Heritage Project' and 19:30

Sunday 21 September:

1300-1600 Guided tours (no booking required)

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 Saturday 13th, Sunday 14th and Saturday 20th, as specified. Organ recital at 14:00 on Sunday 14th on the organ which includes ancient pipework dating from 1758. Thursday opening 18th Sept for guided tours only.

Max no of people per tour:

25

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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