Church of St John the Evangelist, Lancaster
Lancashire
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About this Church
Refined Georgian craftsmanship and a complex legacy of Trans-Atlantic commerce in the heart of the city
Consecrated in 1755, with a distinctive Neoclassical tower and spire added in 1784, St John’s was built by and for the expanding merchant community of Lancaster, at a time when Trans-Atlantic trade - including trade in enslaved people - brought prosperity and growth to the city. It was built near to the Lune-side docks, which connected Lancaster to the Atlantic and thence to Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean, and known locally as ‘t’owd fish church’ for its fish-shaped weathervane and maritime associations.
Internally, the majority of the Georgian interior survives including the altar rail, box pews, galleries and 1780s organ casing, the latter by the renowned Gillow’s of Lancaster, cabinet-makers, donated by local MP Abraham Rawlinson. Later alterations, including a porch and side chapel, are sensitive to the character resulting in an austere but coherent aesthetic. Set behind tall railings in its overgrown churchyard, this is one of Lancashire’s hidden treasures.
St John’s has been closed and underused since flooding in late 2015 and subsequent outbreaks of wet and dry rot. It is in significant need of repair and conservation; despite investment of in excess of £250,000 over the last decade, the condition of the historic fabric continues to deteriorate and the building is on the Heritage At Risk register. CCT is working with local stakeholders to secure a new, sustainable use for the building which will repair it and prevent future decay; for more information on the regeneration of St John’s see our dedicated page for The Chamber at St John's project.
Donations to support this work, and the repair and upkeep of St John’s are vital; please help us by donating a gift of £5 or £10 by texting the numbers below
Text LAN to 70970 to give £5
Text LAN to 70191 to give £10
Your generous donation will help us to protect a beautiful part of local and national heritage. Thank you!
Disabled Access Information
Low step into church. Steps onto chancel. Stairs to gallery
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.
- Church Available for Hire
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.
St John the Evangelist Lancaster Guide
Cheshire Lancashire Greater Manchester Merseyside 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.
Directions
Junction of North Road and Chapel Street.
Transport
Nearest railway station: Lancaster (0.5 mile).
Community Information
All our Lancashire churches are in our North region.
Useful local links
