A Victorian Gothic gem in Rochdale joins our estate

St Edmund’s is a Victorian Gothic church noted for its Masonic connections and imagery. Located on the northern side of Rochdale it forms the centre piece of the local street layout and sits in a circus surrounded by brick terraced housing; the street names all relate to the church and its patrons the Royds family. Falinge once sat in open countryside but has now been completely enveloped by Rochdale. 

The church was built in 1873 and designed by James Medland and Henry Taylor for Albert Hudson Royds a prominent industrialist, banker and Freemason. The family were local wool merchants and helped finance the Rochdale canal. Medland Taylor designed a number of interesting churches in the region all displaying unusual or quirky detailing.

The church is designed in a free interpretation of the Gothic revival style with suggestions of Arts and Crafts. Said to be Medland Taylor’s greatest work, it was an expensive commission costing £22,000 which would have been sufficient to build several parish churches of this size. 

We are very much looking forward to working with the local community to develop future uses for this church and will be onsite imminently to start a programme of repairs. 

Our Director for the North, Rosi Lister says

""We are very excited to be taking on such a unique building which we see as having great potential to be enjoyed by visitors and local people alike. We are working with the local conservation officer and partners to ensure St Edmund's is a part of the wider heritage trails in development... this church is an Arts & Crafts gem,"" 

Watch this space for more exciting news about this fantastic church. 

Read about our campaign to save this church and how you can help