Church of St Peter, Churchgate

Infobox religious building
building_name=Church of St Peter

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caption=Bolton Parish Church
location=Bolton, England
map_type=Greater Manchester
latitude=53.5793
longitude=-2.4230
religious_affiliation=Church of England
district=
consecration_year=
status=
leadership=
website=
architect=Edward Paley
architecture_type=Church
architecture_style=Gothic Revival
facade_direction=
year_completed=1871
construction_cost=
capacity=
length=157ft
width=67ft
width_nave=
height_max=180ft
dome_quantity=
dome_height_outer=
dome_height_inner=
dome_dia_outer=
dome_dia_inner=
minaret_quantity=
minaret_height=
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St Peter's (gbmapping|SJ932956) is a church in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. The Parish Church, dedicated to St Peter, is a fine example of the gothic revival style. Built between 1866 and 1871 of Longridge stone to designs by Paley, the church is 67ft in width, 156ft in length, and 82ft high. The tower is 180ft in height with 13 bells. [http://www.boltonparishchurch.co.uk/index_files/history.htm History of Bolton Parish Church] . "Official website". URL accessed 6 February 2008.]

The first known church on the same site was built in Anglo-Saxon times. It was rebuilt in Norman times and again in the early 1400s. Little is known of the first two churches, but the third building was a solid, squat building with a sturdy square tower at the west end. It was modified over the years until it fell into disrepair and demolished in 1866. Fragments of stone and other artefacts from these first three buildings are displayed in the museum corner of the present church. [http://www.boltonparishchurch.co.uk/index_files/history.htm History of Bolton Parish Church] . "Official website". URL accessed 6 February 2008.] [cite web|title=Churchgate, Bolton: Conservation Area Appraisal|url=http://www.bolton.gov.uk/pls/portal92/docs/48955.PDF|format=pdf |author=Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council |publisher=Bolton.gov.uk |date=July 2007 |accessdate=2007-12-29]

Today, the present parish of Bolton-le-Moors only covers a small area in the town centre, [http://www.acny.org.uk/parish.php?p=24/184 Bolton-le-Moors: St Peter (Parish Map)] . URL accessed 6 February 2008.] but until the 19th century it covered a much larger area and was divided into eighteen chapelries and townships. [ [http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=53036 The parish of Bolton-le-Moors] . "British History Online". URL accessed 6 February 2008.] [http://www.boydhouse.com/alice/Haslam/bolton.html Map of Bolton ancient parishes] . URL accessed 9 February 2008.]

The church was designated a Grade II* listed building by English Heritage in 1974, [cite web|title=Church of St Peter, Churchgate|url= http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/Details/Default.aspx?id=475975 |publisher=Images of England|accessdate=2007-12-29] upgraded to Grade I in the early 21st century.

Organ

The three manual Hill organ dating from 1882 organ is currently undergoing a complete rebuild by Principal Pipe Organs of York under the consultancy of John Norman, one of the most senior professional organ consultants in the country.

References

ee also

* List of churches in Greater Manchester
* Grade I listed buildings in Greater Manchester

External links