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Holy Trinity and its Roots - Part 1

In the early 19th Century, the inhabitants of South Shore began to talk about building a church. Thomas Moore, a miller who had the Great Marton Mill at The Oxford, bought part of a field called Starr End, valued at £43-8s-9d. With Robert Rawcliffe, who made pot hooks and ladles, and the Rector of Bispham and Bishop of Chester, an agreement was made to form a conventional district called 'South Shore in Bispham'. The church was built in 1836 on the site among sandhills. The architect was a John Braithwaite and the church was built by public subscription and a grant from Queen Anne's Bounty. It held about 250 people.

In 1886, a squall of wind made the roof ridge supports sag and a new church had to be built. From this old church we have the keystone, which is over the church entrance, and two original stained glass windows. In the ladies? toilet is one in memory of May Sykes representing two Apostles and, in the kitchen, one representing St. Peter and St. Andrew to Robert Rawcliffe, who with Mr. Moon, was our first Church Warden.

The plans of the new church were drawn up by Richard Kniel Freeman. His work was mainly ecclesiastical (churches, vicarages, etc.), but he also designed other buildings and even made additions to the piers of Blackpool and Southport. Although his work was mainly in the North-West, he also designed buildings abroad. He built the only Anglican church in Moscow and a church and house in San Remo. Holy Trinity Church was considered to be his 'chef d'oeuvre' - his very best. He had worked in Portsmouth before moving to Bolton.

After the plans were approved, the contract was given to Mr. Dean of Castlegate and Mr. Moore of Rawtenstall. The foundation stone was laid with Masonic honours in June 1888 on the exterior east wall. In a cavity, Masonic memorabilia were placed and the stone laid by Sir Matthew W. Ridley MP. The Mayor of Blackpool, Councillor Fish, laid another stone in the south-east corner. The Vicar, Rev. S V Bradshaw, handed him a statement containing the names of the building committee, the Masonic Committee and officials of the Borough of Blackpool. These were placed in a cavity in the stone the Mayor laid. The new chancel extended into a site purchased from the Trustees of the adjoining Church School. This and the transepts were built first.

To be continued

Written by Mrs R. Bradshaw