Christ Church, Waterloo, Merseyside

Address:
Waterloo Road, Liverpool, Merseyside, L22 1RF
How to find us
Opening times:
Access can be arranged by contating The Friends of Old Christ Church, via email [email protected] 
  • For more than a century the red sandstone tower of Old Christ Church in Waterloo has guided sailors into the Mersey Estuary.
  • © Andy Marshall
  • © Andy Marshall
  • A fair at Old Christ Church Waterloo.
  • © Andy Marshall
  • © Andy Marshall
  • The Waterloo Beer Festival at Old Christ Church, Waterloo. (© Waterloo Beer Festival).
  • © Andy Marshall
  • © Andy Marshall

  • Old Christ Church, Waterloo, from the dunes of Crosby Coastal Park. © R. Morrison

  • View across Crosby Marine Lake to Old Christ Church, Waterloo. © R. Morrison
  • Vaulted ceiling, ornate columns and stained glass at Old Christ Church Waterloo.
  • © Andy Marshall
  • Overview
  • Map
  • What's nearby

A hauntingly romantic landmark for sailors

Christ Church was built in 1891-99 to replace a much humbler building and keep up with the increasing prosperity of this rapidly growing suburb of Liverpool. Its majestic tower of pink sandstone became a landmark for sailors, and still dominates the neighbourhood.

The church was disused for many years, and World War II bombing and later vandalism wreaked some damage, but the architecture is hauntingly romantic. It is a huge and impressive building with dazzling stained glass and a strong sense of Victorian confidence and civic pride.

Most of the fittings and furnishings have now gone but the interior remains striking. Soaring timber vaults form the roofs and graceful arches lead your eye to the great east window. Here, in vibrantly colourful stained glass, are depicted Christ with angels, saints and Old Testament figures.

The west window is similarly gorgeous, and depicts the twelve Apostles. The glass is by Shrigley and Hunt, among the leading manufacturers of their period. Happily, local volunteers now run Christ Church as a community events venue.

Our churches cost on average, £2500 per year, to keep them clean, conservation work, maintenance checks and in a safe condition for visitors to come and enjoy.

Please help us to keep our churches open by donating a gift of £5 or £10 by texting the numbers below or visit our donation page here

Text WAT to 70970 to give £5

Text WAT to 70191 to give £10

Your generous donation will help us to protect a beautiful part of local and national heritage. Thank you!

https://oldchristchurch.uk/

  • Facilities & Hire

    Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a very small number of them have heating, running water or toilet facilities. The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor. 

  • Directions
    4 miles north of Liverpool city centre; junction of Alexandra, Victoria and Waterloo Roads, off Crosby Road South (A565).
  • Transport
    Nearest railway station: Waterloo, Merseyside (0.25 miles)
  • History & Further Information

    Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church before you visit? You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church.

    Cheshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside County Guide

    This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches we care for in Cheshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.

  • Community information

    All our Merseyside churches are in CCT's North region.

    The Friends of Old Christ Church Waterloo

    Since 2006, the Friends of Old Christ Church have been working with The Churches Conservation Trust to transform the building into a venue for farmers markets, beer festivals, art exhibitions and seasonal fairs, at the heart of local life, and we want that to continue. 

    Useful local links

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