Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Blackpool

The Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes stands in Blackpool, Lancashire, on Whinney Heys Road. It is a Grade II* listed building designed by F. X. Velarde and completed in 1957. The chapel was built as a thanksgiving for the diocese’s survival during the Second World War, under the leadership of Bishop Thomas E. Flynn. The land was donated by local builder William Eaves, who left the surrounding area undeveloped to give the shrine prominence. For decades, it was cared for by monks and nuns, including those from the Congregation of Adoration of Marie Reparatrice. Today it is owned by the Historic Chapels Trust. The chapel’s architecture blends brick, concrete and Portland stone with copper roofing and a flèche. Inside, the nave has four bays, a narthex at the west end and an apse sanctuary at the east. David John carved the low-relief Holy Trinity above the double doors and designed the corner pinnacles, which depict Our Lady of Lourdes and other saints. Pink and pale blue glass in rectangular panels lights the interior, while gold mosaic clads the arcade columns. The ceiling features deep coffering in blue, red and gold, and the sanctuary floor is travertine with mosaic panels. After deconsecration in 1993, the building passed to the Historic Chapels Trust in 2000. Emergency repairs funded by English Heritage fixed the leaking roof and rainwater system by 2008. Further work aims to restore electrical supplies and create a community space. The trust now seeks partners to use the chapel for events once modern facilities are in place.