St. George’s Church / Everton

Although I have been many times over the years, to St. Georges Church, at the top of Everton Brow, whilst following research paths… I have never been inside. However, after hearing from a work colleague that the Church was to hold an open day this Saturday, so Ann & I ventured over to Everton, this bright morning to take a look.

The original Everton Brow & Church

The Church as it stands today was built on the highest point overlooking our city of Liverpool,  Everton Brow was originally, one of the most ‘select’ part of the city, and as early diseases, where thought to be carried by air and smell, being risen above the city, made for a cleaner, and more sanitised are of the city. As such this area of the city is where the more affluent and well to-do merchants of Liverpool chose to build their large mansions, within a carriage ride to their offices of business withing the city.

To this end, a Parish Church, was needed to attend to this wealthy congregation on the hill, and in 1814, St. George’s (The Iron Church) was erected, by subscription of the wealthy merchant classes, who lived on the hill, and subscribed annually, to secure the best pew’s and boxed seating positions.

The East Transit Window

As we entered the Church we were greeted warmly by the church guides and priest, who told us of the architectural history of this great church… The Church is known as the iron church, here in Liverpool, and although not unique amongst churches in the UK, it is unique with Liverpool, as the church is built on a cast iron frame and clad with an external face and roof, much as it is, with modern buildings of today, which is surprising as the Iron Church was erected over 200+ years ago.

The Church’s Iron Framework

To the East Window.

There are many fine stained glass windows in the church, but sadly many were blown out, including the main East window, during the Liverpool May Blitz of 1941, as were so many other magnificent windows of several Liverpool churches, during that time of our City’s history. The main East window of St. Georges, was re-made after WW2 from the shards of those Blitz fragments, and completed in 1952. Sadly the windows are in need of replacing once more, not through the deterioration of the glass, but the erosion of the cast iron frames holding the glass… with an estimated cost of £200,000+

The one original undamaged windows

I wanted to end my visit with a walk up the church tower, so Ann & I waited at the back of the church for an opportunity to be guided up… there were a set of stairs, to the rear right, and this is were I imagined we would venture up. However, when our guide arrived and told us the safety blurb, he led a small group of us past these stairs, and out of the church to an iron door at the rear… Upon seeing them, lol… I decided to give it a miss… there was a very small metal winding staircase, and although I think I may have ascended it with my cameras, I really couldn’t see myself getting back down, with my age and build… lol

The small spiral staircase to the clock tower roof

I must admit, what a superb piece of local and city history this unique church has to offer, and I would highly recommend to anyone, a visit to see the delights of this church, which overlooks our great city, with its wealth of rich and unusual history…

St. George’s Church – Everton (The Iron Church)