A to Z Prescot
Church Web Site
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A to Z Prescot
Church Web Site
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- Tour - Instructions |
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Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin
Prescot.
According to old tradition Prescot originall was called "Prestecote," i.e., a residence of Priests. This is corroborated by the name "Churchley," which is given to the place in many early documents ("Ley," or "Leigh" = Clearing). In the Assize Rolls of Richard II it is described as "Churchleigh, now called Prestcote."
The Date of The FOUNDATION of the first Church at Prescot is unknown. We only know that in 1291 the Church was in such ruinous condition that it was " likely to fall down to the ground."
The PRESENT CHURCH is the fourth which has stood on the same site since the 11th century. It was built in 1610.
THE TOWER AND SPIRE date from1729. They may possibly have been the work of Nicholas Hawksmore, the only pupil of Sir Christopher Wren who attained any great distinction in his profession. The present peal of bells was cast in 1845 by Messrs. Mears, of London.
THE NAVE belongs to the late perpendicular period, and is flanked on each side by octagonal pillars, from which spring "dropped" pointed arches. Above these arches, thirty feet from the ground, are the clerestory windows, nine on each side. The roof--one of the finest in Lancashire --is of black oak supportedbt eleven roof trusses, alternately hammer and collar beams. The pendant from the hammer beams and the brackets under the collar beams are finely carved, and one of them is inscribed: "THOMAS BOLD, KNIGHT, 1610," and on the reverse side: "LADIBRIGHT BOLD : HIS : WYFFE,"
THE NORTH AND SOUTH AISLES were rebuilt and widened in 1819 to replace the narrow ones of 1610.
THE CHANCEL was largely rebuilt about the same time. The East Window was re newed in 1985 to replace the old one. A very fine Chancel Screen was removed about 1845. A New Oak Screen was erected in 1921 as a War Memorial.
THE CHOIR STALLS are richly carved in black oak, and bear the date 1636. There are eleven "Misereres," the carving on which has been destroyed and replaced by plain blocks of oak. One of these, on the north side, was evidently the seat of the Steward of the Manor, and is insccibed: "I. PEMBERTON, M.P."
THE ALTAR RAILS are much older than the Stalls, and were evidently cared for when they were removed by order of the House of Commons in 1641, and replaced at the first opportunity. By the Vestry dorr is a finely-carved Alms Box, dating from the 15th century. Next to the Alms Box is the figure of a man in 17th century civilan dress of John Ogle of Whiston, who was buried at Prescot in 1612. One of his sons distinguished himself at the siege of Lathom House in 1645.
The CLERGY VESTRY is by far the oldest part of the present Church. The real floor of this Vestry is flagged with stone and is two feet lower than the Chancel floor. For some reason a false wooden floor has been put in about four feet above the level of the old one. The Vestry was probably a Chantry Chapel originally. The Commission appoint by Henry VIII to enquire into the chantries found several at Prescot. Of these, the oldest was founded by Sir John Bold, KT., about 1410, and to this period the Clergy Vestry belongs.
THE CHOIR VESTRY, on the south side, was built 1899-1900.
THE FONT, Thepresent font was found in Roby churchyard in the last
century, and is thought to have been Prescot's early font, lost at the reformation.
In 1935 the font was rescued by Canon Mitchell's Daughters. They had it restored
and returned back to Prescot Church in his memory. (Canon Mitchel was Vicar
at Prescot from 1887-1919).
Formed from a large sandstone block, the primitive and deep font bowl is lined
with lead.
In the north east aisle corner, is of a handsome Italian design, bearing the
inscription: "The Gift of Daniel Willis of Halsnead Hall, Esq., 1755."
A NOTABLE FEATURE of the Church are some old Stone Escutcheons let into the interior walls. The seats seem to have been freeholds, and the holders had the right of placing their coats-of arms above their pews.
THE CHURCHWARDENS' ACCOUNTS are complete and well preserved from the year 1637. Presot is somewhat peculiar in possessing four wardens in place of the usual two. In the old times two wardens represented Prescot itself and two represented the various chapelries and townships in the parish, the original area of which was about 58 square miles. At the present time the Township of Prescot alone remains to the parish, the other fourteen townships have been absorbed in new parishes. The Parliamentary Survey of 1650 mentions five chapels, besides the mother church, in the Parish of Prescot: " St. Ellen's Chapel, Farnworth Chapel, Rainford Chapel, and Sonkey's Chapel, and also an old ruinated building called Windleshaw Chapel,"
THE LIST OF RECTORS AND VICARS, complete from the year 1179 may be seen on the South Wall. The patronage of the living was in various hands until it passed through John of Gaunt to the Crown. The last Rector was William Boothe, who was present in 1441. In 1445 the patronage was conferred by Henry VI on his new "College of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Nicholas in Cambridge," now known as King's College. In 1447 the Rectory was appropriated to the College and a Vicarage ordained. Ralp Duckworth, D.D., was the first Vicar of Prescot, appointed in 1448.
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