St John the Evangelist's Church, Warrington

St John the Evangelist’s is a small Anglican church in Walton, a quiet part of Warrington. Built in the late 19th century as a private chapel for Sir Gilbert Greenall, it now serves the local parish. Designed by the Lancaster architects Paley and Austin, its red sandstone walls and green slate roofs give it a solid, dignified look. The church has a cruciform plan with a tower in four stages, an octagonal spire and a recessed stair turret. Inside, the nave and chancel have barrel roofs, and the floors are paved with tiles. The church is recognised as a Grade II* listed building, a grade given to particularly important structures of more than special interest. Experts writing in the Buildings of England series call it a glorious estate church, finely detailed and composed. The stained glass includes work by Morris & Co. dated 1929 and windows by E. H. Jewitt of Shrigley and Hunt. The reredos shows a carved Crucifixion, and the font is marble while the pulpit is oak on a stone base. Outside stands a lych gate built in red sandstone with a green slate roof and half-timbered gables. The gate was paid for by Sir Gilbert Greenall and designed by Paley and Austin. The churchyard is calm, with the lych gate marking the entrance. The tower’s chequerwork and the spire’s octagonal shape catch the eye. Visitors find a quiet place of worship with fine craftsmanship and careful design.