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Holy Trinity Church, Littleborough
Holy Trinity Church, Littleborough
Holy Trinity was built in 1471 to address the growing need for a church other than St. Chad’s in Rochdale.
Key Facts
- Location: Littleborough, Greater Manchester, England
- Denomination: Church of England
- Diocese: Manchester
- Grade: II
Overview
Holy Trinity was built in 1471 to address the growing need for a church other than St. Chad’s in Rochdale, which served the entire area between Rochdale and Todmorden. The Abbot of Whalley granted a licence on the condition that the church was funded by public money and the chaplain’s salary came from local funds.
Originally located near the river, the chapel was called Little-brucke, eventually giving its name to Littleborough. In 1660, Holy Trinity became a Parish Church for 272 families, though marriages were still performed at St. Chad’s due to extra charges for other churches.
The Halliwell family significantly contributed to the church, with Theophilus funding a schoolmaster and his brother Richard building a school in Ealees Lane around 1697. The school initially had 10 pupils and was the only one between Littleborough and Todmorden.
By the 1700s, the church fell into disrepair, attended by only 182 families. It was rebuilt in 1817 through public subscription. In 1860, Mr. Lawrence Newall funded a new steeple. Dr. Salts, appointed vicar in 1872, revitalized the church and school, adding 57 new seats in 1889. He served until 1911, followed by Rev. A. W. Gaskell for 40 years.
Since 1889, few changes have occurred. A memorial cross was added for World War II fallen, and the graveyard, closed in 1940, now has flat stones for easier maintenance. Records are available at the Lancashire Records Office.
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