Parish Church of St Mary

St Mary's is situated adjacent to Castle Hill (the site of an ancient motte and bailey castle), overlooking the River Ribble and is surrounded by woodland.
The present church dates from the 14thC, although a priory existed in the 11thC. The oldest part is the chancel. The tower was built in the 15thC and is in the perpendicular style.

There are eight bells in the tower, five of which date back to 1712. All were recast in 1965. One of the stained glass windows in the ringing chamber dates from the late 18th or early 19th century.
The top of the tower is an excellent viewpoint for looking over Preston and distant areas

The Nave was altered twice in the 19th century to accommodate the growing population of Penwortham, first in 1822 and again in 1856. The Nave houses a font made from Caen stone dating back to 1865.

At the entrance to the churchyard is a Lych Gate constructed in 1896. It was dedicated in 1897 by the Bishop of Manchester.

Photographs of the church can be viewed on the Lancashire Churches website
http://www.lancashirechurches.co.uk/

Opening Times

Parish Church of St Mary 1 Jan 2009 - 31 Dec 2009

Road Directions

The church is less than 2 miles from Preston city centre. From Preston take the A59 towards Liverpool and Southport. Cross the River Ribble via Penwortham Bridge and continue up Penwortham Hill. The church is signposted halfway up. Turn right into Kingsway, right again into Hollinhurst Avenue, take a further right into Squires Road and left into Church Avenue. The Church is located at the end of Church Avenue. There is ample car parking available.

Public Transport Directions

There are frequent buses from Preston to Penwortham. Get off at Penwortham Library, walk back down the hill and follow the signs to the church. The walk is between 5 and 10 minutes.