St. James Church

Gordon Whewell, the church warden, will provide two guided tours, taking you inside the church where the Accrington Pals regimental flag hangs framed on the wall. On 2 December 1918, three weeks after the Armistice, King George V approved that war-raised battalions of the Regular Army and Territorial Force would be presented with a silk Union Flag to serve as their King's Colour. The Accrington Pals' Colour was presented at St. Omer on 7 February 1919, then handed to the Corporation on 18 October 1919.

Jonathan Peel and his family regularly attended services at St. James. The Hargreaves family were also prominent worshippers there. On the church wall, there are brass plaques honouring the Peels and the Hargreaves, along with memorials displayed throughout the church.

Explore the rich history of the church, which dates back to 1546. The first paved street in Accrington is credited to Jonathan Peel, the brother of Prime Minister Robert Peel. In 1716, a small school was established within the church, and in 1816, the National School was founded with subscriptions from Peel and Hargreaves. This school was the first of its kind in Accrington.

Take the time to admire the architectural beauty of St. James Square, which features notable buildings such as the old Ritz Cinema and beer house, the former St. James School, Ewbank House, the Gothic House, the Carnegie Library, and the Mechanics Institute. This area boasts the most impressive collection of buildings in Accrington.

Timings

Thursday 17 September:

Tours: 11:00-12:00 & 13:00-14:00

Location & directions

St. James Church, Cannon Street, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 2ER

Directions:

From Accrington town centre, leave Church Street. Bear right at Blackburn Road. Turn right onto Cannon Street.

Contact on day:

Gordon Whewell

Telephone number:

+447972831795

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Book via eventbrite

Booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heritage-open-day-st-james-church-tickets-1997691885205?keep_tld=true

Accessibility details

There is plenty of on-street parking

Additional information

Max number of people:

16

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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