St Ethelwold's Church, Shotton

St Ethelwold’s Church stands in Shotton, Flintshire, on the north-east edge of Wales. It is an active Anglican parish church, part of the deanery of Hawarden, the archdeaconry of Wrexham and the diocese of St Asaph. The building is made of sandstone ashlar, both outside and in, and has a clerestory and a chancel with an apse. At the west end three small lancet windows contain stained glass by Edward Reginald Frampton. The church is listed at Grade II by Cadw. The church was paid for partly by W. E. Gladstone, though construction did not begin until after his death. Money was raised largely by his son, the Rev. Stephen Gladstone. It was built between 1898 and 1902 to a design by Douglas and Minshull of Chester in Gothic Revival style. The lower stage of a tower was added in 1924, though the intended full tower and spire were never completed. The church was dedicated by A. G. Edwards, Bishop of St Asaph, on 8 August 1902. Inside, the nave and chancel rise to different heights, giving a stepped feel to the space. The stained glass at the west end shows Frampton’s work in small lancet lights. The sandstone ashlar walls give the interior a warm, even tone. The clerestory above the nave allows light to enter the building. The apse at the east end focuses attention on the altar.