Diocese of Shrewsbury
Encyclopedia
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbury is a Latin Rite Roman Catholic diocese in England. The diocese encompasses parts of the North West of England and parts of the West Midlands
. The diocese comprises the pre-1974 counties of Shropshire and Cheshire, varying from the rural areas of Shropshire
to parts of Manchester
south of the River Mersey
and other large urban areas including Birkenhead
, Stockport
and Ellesmere Port
. It is unusual amongst dioceses in England & Wales in that the population does not have one central concentration, but is fragmented across the area. Its current bishop is Mark Davies who succeeded on 1 October 2010. It is divided into 6 regions, which in turn contain 26 pastoral areas and within these, the 110 parishes.
comprises the areas of Shropshire
, Cheshire
, as well as parts of Greater Manchester
and Merseyside
that were formerly part of Cheshire
. Before 1895, it also included North Wales
. Since October 2007, new pastoral areas and regions have been created, replacing the former deaneries.
2) Saint Winefride - 3rd November
were abolished and parishes grouped together to form 'Pastoral Areas', not as a replacement of parishes but to strengthen local Catholic communities, ensuring the sharing of services and groups and to avoid unnecessary duplication.
Each LPT (local pastoral team [see below]) has two co-leaders (one priest
; one layperson
) and each region is headed by a Regional Dean.
, in Birkenhead
, to which was attached a boarding school
for young ladies, and also a small day-school for poor children. There were Jesuits at Holywell
, who also had a college at St. Bruno's, Flintshire
, and a Benedictine at Acton Burnell
. When Dr. Brown celebrated the jubilee of his consecration, the secular priests had increased to sixty-six, and the regulars to thirty-two. Instead of one religious house of men and one of women, there were now four of men, and nine of women; and many elementary schools had been provided for the needs of Catholic children.
In 1852 the bitter feeling caused by the re-establishment of the hierarchy found vent in serious riots at Stockport
. On 29 June a large mob attacked the Church of St Philip and St James; they broke the windows and attempted to force in the doors, but before they could effect an entrance, Canon Randolph Frith, the rector
, succeeded in removing the Blessed Sacrament
, and secreting it with the chalice
s, etc., in a small cupboard in the side chapel. He was compelled to flee immediately to the belltower, and, whilst the rabble were destroying whatever they could lay their hands upon, he made his escape along the roof, and descended by the spouting at the back of the presbytery
. Much of the church furniture, with vestment
s, etc., was piled up in the street and burned. At St Michael
's, the Host was desecrated, and the pyx
and ciborium carried away.
Although the Catholic population of the diocese was 58,013 (as of the early 20th century), Shropshire contributed under 3,000, partly on account of agricultural depression and the consequent flocking to industrial centres. There were ninety clergy, sixteen convents, representatives of four orders of men, eight secondary schools for girls, an orphanage
and industrial school for boys, a home for aged poor, a home for penitents, and an orphanage erected in memory of Bishop Knight. At Oakwood Hall, Romiley
, a house of retreats for working-men opened and had done important work; and at New Brighton
, the nuns of Our Lady of the Cenacle opened a house of retreats for working-women and ladies.
Shropshire is singularly rich in archeological interest, its pre-Reformation parish churches, the noble ruins of monasteries round the Wrekin, the Roman city of Uriconium (Wroxeter
), the lordly castle of Ludlow
, giving the county a place apart in the heart of the antiquary. In Shrewsbury
itself, where once Grey, Black, and Austin Friars and the Black Monks of St. Benedict had foundations, there is now a beautiful little cathedral, built by Edward Pugin. Chester
, too, with its quaint streets, black and white houses, and venerable cathedral and city walls, claims the visitor's attention. When the body of Daniel O'Connell
was brought back from Genoa
, it rested in the old chapel in Queen's Street on its way to Ireland.
West Midlands (region)
The West Midlands is an official region of England, covering the western half of the area traditionally known as the Midlands. It contains the second most populous British city, Birmingham, and the larger West Midlands conurbation, which includes the city of Wolverhampton and large towns of Dudley,...
. The diocese comprises the pre-1974 counties of Shropshire and Cheshire, varying from the rural areas of Shropshire
Shropshire
Shropshire is a county in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes, the county is a NUTS 3 region and is one of four counties or unitary districts that comprise the "Shropshire and Staffordshire" NUTS 2 region. It borders Wales to the west...
to parts of Manchester
Manchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
south of the River Mersey
River Mersey
The River Mersey is a river in North West England. It is around long, stretching from Stockport, Greater Manchester, and ending at Liverpool Bay, Merseyside. For centuries, it formed part of the ancient county divide between Lancashire and Cheshire....
and other large urban areas including Birkenhead
Birkenhead
Birkenhead is a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral in Merseyside, England. It is on the Wirral Peninsula, along the west bank of the River Mersey, opposite the city of Liverpool...
, Stockport
Stockport
Stockport is a town in Greater Manchester, England. It lies on elevated ground southeast of Manchester city centre, at the point where the rivers Goyt and Tame join and create the River Mersey. Stockport is the largest settlement in the metropolitan borough of the same name...
and Ellesmere Port
Ellesmere Port
Ellesmere Port is a large industrial town and port in the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. It is situated on the south border of the Wirral Peninsula on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal, which in turn gives access to the River...
. It is unusual amongst dioceses in England & Wales in that the population does not have one central concentration, but is fragmented across the area. Its current bishop is Mark Davies who succeeded on 1 October 2010. It is divided into 6 regions, which in turn contain 26 pastoral areas and within these, the 110 parishes.
Geographical location
The dioceseDiocese
A diocese is the district or see under the supervision of a bishop. It is divided into parishes.An archdiocese is more significant than a diocese. An archdiocese is presided over by an archbishop whose see may have or had importance due to size or historical significance...
comprises the areas of Shropshire
Shropshire
Shropshire is a county in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes, the county is a NUTS 3 region and is one of four counties or unitary districts that comprise the "Shropshire and Staffordshire" NUTS 2 region. It borders Wales to the west...
, Cheshire
Cheshire
Cheshire is a ceremonial county in North West England. Cheshire's county town is the city of Chester, although its largest town is Warrington. Other major towns include Widnes, Congleton, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Runcorn, Macclesfield, Winsford, Northwich, and Wilmslow...
, as well as parts of Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester is a metropolitan county in North West England, with a population of 2.6 million. It encompasses one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United Kingdom and comprises ten metropolitan boroughs: Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan, and the...
and Merseyside
Merseyside
Merseyside is a metropolitan county in North West England, with a population of 1,365,900. It encompasses the metropolitan area centred on both banks of the lower reaches of the Mersey Estuary, and comprises five metropolitan boroughs: Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton, Wirral, and the city of Liverpool...
that were formerly part of Cheshire
Cheshire
Cheshire is a ceremonial county in North West England. Cheshire's county town is the city of Chester, although its largest town is Warrington. Other major towns include Widnes, Congleton, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Runcorn, Macclesfield, Winsford, Northwich, and Wilmslow...
. Before 1895, it also included North Wales
North Wales
North Wales is the northernmost unofficial region of Wales. It is bordered to the south by the counties of Ceredigion and Powys in Mid Wales and to the east by the counties of Shropshire in the West Midlands and Cheshire in North West England...
. Since October 2007, new pastoral areas and regions have been created, replacing the former deaneries.
| Region | Name | Regional Dean |
|---|---|---|
| A | Shropshire & Wrekin | Canon Stephan Coonan |
| B | Central Cheshire | Fr John Daly |
| C | North Cheshire | Fr Russell Cooke |
| D | South Trafford & Wythenshawe | Canon John Rafferty |
| E | Stockport & Tameside | Canon Vincent Whelan |
| F | Wirral | Fr Nick Kern |
Past and present bishops
- James Brown (appointed 27 June 1851 – died 14 October 1881)
- Edmund Knight (appointed 25 April 1882 – resigned 28 May 1895)
- John Carroll (succeeded 11 May 1895 – died 14 January 1897)
- Samuel Webster Allen (appointed 19 April 1897 – died 13 May 1908)
- Hugh Singleton (appointed 1 August 1908 – died 17 December 1934)
- Ambrose James Moriarty (succeeded 17 December 1934 – died 3 June 1949)
- John Aloysius Murphy (succeeded 3 June 1949 – translatedTranslation (ecclesiastical)Translation is the technical term when a Bishop is transferred from one diocese to another.This can be* From Suffragan Bishop status to Diocesan Bishop*From Coadjutor bishop to Diocesan Bishop*From one country's Episcopate to another...
to the Archdiocese of Cardiff on 22 August 1961) - William Eric Grasar (appointed 26 April 1962 – resigned 20 March 1980)
- Joseph Gray (appointed 19 August 1980 – retired 23 June 1995)
- Brian Michael NobleBrian Noble (bishop)Brian Michael Noble is the former bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbury.-Biography:Born in Lancaster, Lancashire, England, Brian Michael Noble was ordained to the priesthood on 11 June 1960 and served as a priest in the Diocese of Lancaster...
(appointed 23 June 1995 – retired 1 October 2010) - Mark Davies (current bishop, succeeded 1 October 2010)
Catholic education in the diocese
There are 116 Catholic schools and colleges serving 40,585 pupils.| School Type | Voluntary Aided Primary | Voluntary Aided Secondary | Sixth Form Colleges | Independent Schools |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of schools | 90 | 19 | 1 | 6 |
| Number of Students | 19,034 | 18,222 | 1,710 | 1,619 |
- All figures are as of January 2007
Patron saints of the diocese
1) Our Lady, Help of Christians - 24th May2) Saint Winefride - 3rd November
Parish pastoral areas and regions
On 1 October 2007, local deaneriesDeanery
A Deanery is an ecclesiastical entity in both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England. A deanery is either the jurisdiction or residence of a Dean.- Catholic usage :...
were abolished and parishes grouped together to form 'Pastoral Areas', not as a replacement of parishes but to strengthen local Catholic communities, ensuring the sharing of services and groups and to avoid unnecessary duplication.
Each LPT (local pastoral team [see below]) has two co-leaders (one priest
Priest
A priest is a person authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and deities. They also have the authority or power to administer religious rites; in particular, rites of sacrifice to, and propitiation of, a deity or deities...
; one layperson
Laity
In religious organizations, the laity comprises all people who are not in the clergy. A person who is a member of a religious order who is not ordained legitimate clergy is considered as a member of the laity, even though they are members of a religious order .In the past in Christian cultures, the...
) and each region is headed by a Regional Dean.
Region A - Shropshire & Wrekin Catholic Region
Regional Dean: Canon Stephen Coonan| Region | Pastoral Area | Parishes/Mass Centres | Primary Schools | Secondary Schools | Hospitals & Other Chaplaincies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | LPA 1 | Shrewsbury Cathedral Shrewsbury Cathedral The Cathedral Church of Our Lady Help of Christians and Saint Peter of Alcantara, commonly known as Shrewsbury Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Shrewsbury, England... (http://www.shrewsburycathedral.org/) Monkmoor, St Winefride Harlescott Harlescott Harlescott is a suburb of the town of Shrewsbury, county town of Shropshire. It is one of the most industrial parts of the town, and is the 5th most deprived ward in non-metropolitan Shropshire Neighbouring suburbs include Sundorne to the east and Ditherington to the south... , Our Lady of Pit |
St Mary's St Winefride's |
BRJ | Royal Shrewsbury Shropshire Nuffield S & Mid W Hospice + Prison + Forces |
| A | LPA 2 | Ellesmere Ellesmere, Shropshire Ellesmere is a small market town near Oswestry in north Shropshire, England, notable for its proximity to a number of prominent lakes, the Meres.-History:... , St Michael Farndon Farndon, Cheshire Farndon is a village and civil parish in the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. It is located on the banks of the River Dee, south of Chester, and close to the border with Wales... Malpas Malpas, Cheshire Malpas is a large village which used to be a market town, and it is also a civil parish in the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. The parish lies on the border with Shropshire and Wales... , St Joseph Oswestry Oswestry Oswestry is a town and civil parish in Shropshire, England, close to the Welsh border. It is at the junction of the A5, A483, and A495 roads.... , Our Lady Shawbury Shawbury Shawbury is a village and civil parish in the English county of Shropshire. The village is north east of the town of Shrewsbury, north west of Telford and north west of London. The village straddles the A53 between Shrewsbury and Market Drayton... , St Andrew & St Peter Tattenhall Tattenhall Tattenhall is a village and civil parish, 8 miles south-east of Chester, in the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. At the 2001 Census, the population was recorded as 1,986.-History:... , St Plegmund Wem Wem Wem is a small market town in Shropshire, England. It is the administrative centre for the northern area committee of Shropshire Council, which has its headquarters at Edinburgh House in the centre of Wem. Wem railway station is on the Shrewsbury to Crewe railway line... , Our Lady Whitchurch Whitchurch, Shropshire Whitchurch is a market town in Shropshire, England on the border between England and Wales. It is the oldest continuously inhabited town in Shropshire. According to the 2001 Census, the population of the town is 8,673, with a more recent estimate putting the population of the town at 8,934... , St George |
Our Lady & St Oswald | BRJ | Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt H + Forces |
| A | LPA 3 | Church Stretton Church Stretton Church Stretton is a small town and civil parish in Shropshire, England. The population of the town was recorded as 2,789 in 2001, whilst the population of the wider parish was recorded as 4,186... , St Milburga Cleobury Mortimer Cleobury Mortimer Cleobury Mortimer is a small rural market town in Shropshire, England. The town's parish has a population of 1,962 according to the 2001 census. Although sometimes regarded as a village, it is in fact the second smallest town in Shropshire , having been granted a town charter in 1253.Several... , St Elizabeth Ludlow Ludlow Ludlow is a market town in Shropshire, England close to the Welsh border and in the Welsh Marches. It lies within a bend of the River Teme, on its eastern bank, forming an area of and centred on a small hill. Atop this hill is the site of Ludlow Castle and the market place... , St Peter (http://freespace.virgin.net/stpeters.ludlow/) Plowden Plowden, Shropshire Plowden is a hamlet in the parish of Lydbury North, Shropshire, England. It is in the valley of the River Onny and lies 3 miles east of Bishop's Castle.... , St Walburga |
Moor Park | BRJ | |
| A | LPA 4 | Bridgnorth Bridgnorth Bridgnorth is a town in Shropshire, England, along the Severn Valley. It is split into Low Town and High Town, named on account of their elevations relative to the River Severn, which separates the upper town on the right bank from the lower on the left... , St John Broseley Broseley Broseley is a small town in Shropshire, England with a population of 4,912 . The River Severn flows to the north and east of the town. Broseley has a town council and is part of the area controlled by Shropshire Council. The first iron bridge in the world was built in 1779 to link Broseley with... Donnington Donnington, Telford Donnington was not part of the new town of Telford but part of the already oudated Wellington Rural District which had built many council houses from the 1920s onwards. It is located in the borough of Telford and Wrekin and ceremonial county of Shropshire, England... , Our Lady Telford Telford Telford is a large new town in the borough of Telford and Wrekin and ceremonial county of Shropshire, England, approximately east of Shrewsbury, and west of Birmingham... , The Good Shepherd (Madeley, Stirchley & Dawley) Wellington Wellington, Shropshire Wellington is a town in the unitary authority of Telford and Wrekin and ceremonial county of Shropshire, England and now forms part of the new town of Telford. The population of the parish of Wellington was recorded as 20,430 in the 2001 census, making it the third largest town in Shropshire if... , St Patrick (http://www.stpatrickstelford.com/) |
St John's St Luke's St Mary's, Madeley St Patrick's |
BRJ | Princess Royal |
| A | LPA 5 | Albrighton Albrighton, Bridgnorth Albrighton is a large village and civil parish in Shropshire, England. It is located to the northwest of Wolverhampton and is best described as a dormitory village for the city... , St Joseph Market Drayton Market Drayton Market Drayton is a small market town in north Shropshire, England. It is on the River Tern, between Shrewsbury and Stoke-on-Trent, and was formerly known as "Drayton in Hales" and earlier simply as "Drayton" .... , Ss Thomas & Newport Newport, Shropshire Newport is a market town in the borough of Telford and Wrekin and ceremonial county of Shropshire, England. It lies some north of Telford and some west of Stafford sitting on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border... , Ss Peter & Paul St Peter and Paul Church, Newport St. Peter and Pauls Church is a Catholic Church in Newport, Shropshire, England.Salters Hall is in Salters lane, Newport, Shropshire, attached to the Church of Saints Peter and Paul and was designed by Angustus Pugin.... Shifnal Shifnal Shifnal is a small market town in Shropshire, England. It forms part of The Wrekin constituency, and is about east of Telford. It has a railway station on the Shrewsbury-Wolverhampton Line and is near to the M54 motorway.-Early medieval time:... , St Mary |
Ss Peter & Paul's St Mary's, Madeley St Winefride's |
BRJ | (+Cosford) + Stoke Heath + TernHill |
Region B - Central Cheshire
Regional Dean: Fr John Daly| Region | Pastoral Area | Parishes/Mass Centres | Primary Schools | Secondary Schools | Hospitals & Other Chaplaincies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | LPA 6 | Alderley Edge Alderley Edge Alderley Edge is a village and civil parish within the unitary authority of Cheshire East and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. According to the 2001 census the parish had a population of 4,409.... , St Pius X Handforth Handforth Handforth is a suburban area situated between Wilmslow, Heald Green, and Styal in Cheshire, England. Travelling south from Manchester, Handforth is the first place in Cheshire, although other areas nearer Manchester lie within the historic boundaries of the county.In the 1950s, two overspill... , St Benedict Knutsford Knutsford Knutsford is a town and civil parish in the unitary authority area of Cheshire East and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, in North West England... , St Vincent (http://www.stvincentsknutsford.org/) Wilmslow Wilmslow -Economy:Wilmslow is well known, like Alderley Edge, for having many famous residents, notably footballers, stars of Coronation Street and rich North West businessmen. The town is part of the so-called Golden Triangle in the north west together with Alderley Edge and Prestbury... , St Teresa |
St Benedict's St Vincent's |
All Hallows CH St Nicholas CH |
Styal Prison |
| B | LPA 7 | Bollington Bollington Bollington is a small rural town and civil parish in the county of Cheshire, , England, in the unitary authority of Cheshire East. It is located east of Prestbury. In the Middle Ages it was part of the Earl of Chester's manor of Macclesfield., and the ancient parish of Prestbury... , St Gregory Congleton Congleton Congleton is a town and civil parish in the unitary authority of Cheshire East and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England, on the banks of the River Dane, to the west of the Macclesfield Canal and 21 miles south of Manchester. It has a population of 25,750.-History:The first settlements in... , St Mary Disley Disley Disley is a village and civil parish in the unitary authority of Cheshire East and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. It is located on the very edge of the Peak District, in the Goyt Valley, very close to the county boundary with Derbyshire at New Mills, and south of Stockport, Greater... Macclesfield Macclesfield Macclesfield is a market town within the unitary authority of Cheshire East, the county palatine of Chester, also known as the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. The population of the Macclesfield urban sub-area at the time of the 2001 census was 50,688... , St Alban Macclesfield Macclesfield Macclesfield is a market town within the unitary authority of Cheshire East, the county palatine of Chester, also known as the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. The population of the Macclesfield urban sub-area at the time of the 2001 census was 50,688... , St Edward Poynton Poynton Poynton is a town within the civil parish of Poynton-with-Worth, and the unitary authority area of Cheshire East, England. For ceremonial purposes it is part of the county of Cheshire. Poynton is located at the eastern most fringe of the Cheshire Plain, north of Macclesfield, south of Stockport... , St Paul Whaley Bridge Whaley Bridge Whaley Bridge is a small town and civil parish in the High Peak district of Derbyshire, England, situated on the River Goyt. Whaley Bridge is approximately south of Manchester, north of Buxton , east of Macclesfield and west of Sheffield, and had a population of 6,226 at the 2001 census. This... , Sacred Heart |
St Alban's St Edward's St Gregory's St Mary's St Mary's |
All Hallows CH | Macclesfield District Gen East Cheshire Hospice |
| B | LPA 8 | Barnton Barnton Barnton is a civil parish and village in the north-west of England, just outside the town of Northwich, in the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire... , Our Lady of Fatima Holmes Chapel Holmes Chapel Holmes Chapel is a village and civil parish in the unitary authority of Cheshire East and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. Until 1974 the parish was known as Church Hulme.At the 2001 Census the population of the village was recorded as 5,669... , St Margaret Middlewich Middlewich Middlewich is a market town in the unitary authority of Cheshire East and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. It is east of the city of Chester, east of Winsford, southeast of Northwich and northwest of Sandbach.... , St Mary Northwich Northwich Northwich is a town and civil parish in the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. It lies in the heart of the Cheshire Plain, at the confluence of the rivers Weaver and Dane... , St Wilfrid Weaverham Weaverham right|thumb|200px|Map of civil parish of Weaverham within former borough of Vale RoyalWeaverham is a village and civil parish in the Borough of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire in England. Just off the A49, it is just to the west of Northwich and south of the River... , St Bede Winsford Winsford Winsford is a town and civil parish within the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. It lies on the River Weaver south of Northwich and west of Middlewich, and grew around the salt mining industry after the river was canalised in the... , St Joseph |
St Bede's St Joseph's St Mary's St Wilfrid's |
St Nicholas CH | St Luke's Hospice |
| B | LPA 9 | Alsager Alsager Alsager is a town and civil parish in the unitary authority of Cheshire East and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England, to the north-west of the city of Stoke-on-Trent, and east of the railway town of Crewe... , St Gabriel Crewe Crewe Crewe is a railway town within the unitary authority area of Cheshire East and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. According to the 2001 census the urban area had a population of 67,683... , St Mary (http://www.stmaryscrewe.org.uk/) Nantwich Nantwich Nantwich is a market town and civil parish in the Borough of Cheshire East and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. The town gives its name to the parliamentary constituency of Crewe and Nantwich... , St Anne Sandbach Sandbach Sandbach is a market town and civil parish in the unitary authority of Cheshire East and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. The civil parish contains four settlements; Sandbach itself, Elworth, Ettiley Heath and Wheelock.... , St Winefride St Winefride’s, Sandbach St Winefride’s is a Catholic Church in Sandbach, Cheshire, England within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbury. The Church is a Member of Churches Together in Sandbach- History :... |
St Anne's St Gabriel's St Mary's |
St Thomas More CH | Leighton Hosp + M'chester Metropolitan Univ Crewe & Alsager site |
Region C - North Cheshire
Regional Dean: Fr Russell Cooke| Region | Pastoral Area | Parishes/Mass Centres | Primary Schools | Secondary Schools | Hospitals & Other Chaplaincies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | LPA 10 | Ellesmere Port Ellesmere Port Ellesmere Port is a large industrial town and port in the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. It is situated on the south border of the Wirral Peninsula on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal, which in turn gives access to the River... , Our Lady Ellesmere Port Ellesmere Port Ellesmere Port is a large industrial town and port in the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. It is situated on the south border of the Wirral Peninsula on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal, which in turn gives access to the River... , St Bernard Ellesmere Port Ellesmere Port Ellesmere Port is a large industrial town and port in the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. It is situated on the south border of the Wirral Peninsula on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal, which in turn gives access to the River... , St Saviour Hooton Hooton, Cheshire Hooton is a village in the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England in the south of the Wirral Peninsula near Ellesmere Port.- History :... , St Mary |
Our Lady star of the Sea St Bernard's St Mary of the Angels St Saviour's Infants St Saviour's Juniors |
Ellesmere Port Catholic High | Ellesmere Port Hospice Good Shepherd Hospice |
| C | LPA 11 | Blacon Blacon Blacon is a large suburb near Chester, in Cheshire, England, containing a mixture of private homes and substantial public council-built properties... , St Theresa Chester Chester Chester is a city in Cheshire, England. Lying on the River Dee, close to the border with Wales, it is home to 77,040 inhabitants, and is the largest and most populous settlement of the wider unitary authority area of Cheshire West and Chester, which had a population of 328,100 according to the... , St Francis Chester Chester Chester is a city in Cheshire, England. Lying on the River Dee, close to the border with Wales, it is home to 77,040 inhabitants, and is the largest and most populous settlement of the wider unitary authority area of Cheshire West and Chester, which had a population of 328,100 according to the... , St Werburgh Lache Lache Lache is in the city of Chester Cheshire, U.K., with a population of around 10,000. It is located approximately 2 miles southwest of the ancient city, with good local transport links en route to Saltney... , St Clare Mouldsworth Mouldsworth Mouldsworth is a village and civil parish on the outskirts of Chester in the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. It is located about 8 miles north east of Chester City Centre on the B5393 road. The nearest villages are Manley to the north... Plas Newton, St Columba Tarporley Tarporley Tarporley is a large village and civil parish in the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England.... , St Thomas Becket Waverton Waverton, Cheshire Waverton is a village and civil parish in the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. It lies about 5 km south east of Chester... |
St Clare's St Theresa's St Werburgh & St Col's St Wilfrid's |
Chester Catholic High School Chester Catholic High School Chester Catholic High School or CHS but officially called The Catholic High School, Chester is a Roman Catholic secondary school on the outskirts of Handbridge, Chester, England.- Student population :... St Nicholas Catholic High |
Countess of Chester Grosvenor Nuffield + Forces |
| C | LPA 12 | Castlefields Shrewsbury Shrewsbury is the county town of Shropshire, in the West Midlands region of England. Lying on the River Severn, it is a civil parish home to some 70,000 inhabitants, and is the primary settlement and headquarters of Shropshire Council... , St Augustine Frodsham Frodsham Frodsham is a market town and civil parish in the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester and the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. Its population is 8,982. It is approximately south of Runcorn, 16 miles south of Liverpool, and approximately south-west of Manchester... , St Luke Halton Brook, Holy Spirit Murdishaw, St Martin Palace Fields, Our Lady Runcorn Runcorn Runcorn is an industrial town and cargo port within the borough of Halton in the ceremonial county of Cheshire, England. In 2009, its population was estimated to be 61,500. The town is on the southern bank of the River Mersey where the estuary narrows to form Runcorn Gap. Directly to the north... , St Edward |
Holy Spirit Our Lady's St Augustine's St Clement's St Edward's St Luke's St Martin's |
Chester Catholic High School Chester Catholic High School Chester Catholic High School or CHS but officially called The Catholic High School, Chester is a Roman Catholic secondary school on the outskirts of Handbridge, Chester, England.- Student population :... St Chad's Catholic High |
Halton General Hospital Halton Haven Hospice |
| C | LPA 13 | Appleton Appleton, Warrington Appleton is a civil parish within the borough of Warrington in Cheshire, England.-Geography and landmarks:The A49 runs from neighbouring Stockton Heath up the hill into Appleton and links Warrington Town Centre with the M56 motorway.... , St Monica Latchford Latchford Latchford is a suburban district and electoral ward of the unitary borough of Warrington, in Cheshire, England. It is around one mile south of Warrington town centre and has a total resident population of 7,856.... , Our Lady & St Augustine Lymm Lymm Lymm is a large village and civil parish within the Warrington borough of Cheshire, in North West England. Lymm was an urban district of Cheshire from 1894 to 1974. The civil parish of Lymm incorporates the hamlets of Booths Hill, Broomedge, Church Green, Deansgreen, Heatley, Heatley Heath, Little... , St Winefride |
Our Lady's St Augustine's St Monica's |
Cardinal Newman Catholic High | North Cheshire Hospital + Thorn Cross YOI |
Region D - South Trafford & Wythenshawe
Regional Dean: Fr John Rafferty| Region | Pastoral Area | Parishes/Mass Centres | Primary Schools | Secondary Schools | Hospitals & Other Chaplaincies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D | LPA 14 | Baguley Baguley Baguley is a locality in Wythenshawe, and an electoral ward of the city of Manchester in North West England.Historically within Cheshire, the town is mentioned as Bagelei in the Domesday Book of 1086.-History:... , Sacred Heart & St Peter Benchill Benchill Benchill is a district of the city of Manchester, England, part of the massive Wythenshawe council estate, approximately eight miles south of Manchester City Centre.... , St John & St Thomas Northenden Northenden Northenden is a suburban area and electoral ward of the city of Manchester in North West England. It lies on the south side of both the River Mersey and the M60 motorway, west of Stockport and south of Manchester city centre. Northenden is bounded by the districts of Didsbury, Gatley and... , St Hilda & St Aidan Peel Hall Peel Hall Peel Hall is an area of Wythenshawe approximately nine miles south of Manchester City Centre, and a mile or so north of Manchester Airport in North West England... , St Elizabeth Woodhouse Park Woodhouse Park Woodhouse Park is a locality in the south of the area of Wythenshawe, in the city of Manchester in North West England.The area incorporates Wythenshawe town centre and borders onto Newall Green but is separated by the M56 motorway from which it is served by Junctions 4 and 5... , St Anthony |
Sacred Heart St Aidan's St Anthony's St Elizabeth's St John's St Peter's |
St Paul's CH | Wythenshawe General |
| D | LPA 15 | Altrincham Altrincham Altrincham is a market town within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford, in Greater Manchester, England. It lies on flat ground south of the River Mersey about southwest of Manchester city centre, south-southwest of Sale and east of Warrington... , St Vincent Hale Barns Hale Barns Hale Barns is an affluent village in Altrincham in the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. Historically part of Cheshire, Hale Barns lies about south of Manchester city centre, 2 miles west of Manchester Airport and close to the River Bollin... , Holy Angels Timperley Timperley Timperley is a village within the Altrincham area, of the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford in Greater Manchester, England. Situated within the historic county boundaries of Cheshire, Timperley is approximately seven miles southwest of Manchester.... , St John West Timperley, St Hugh |
St Hugh's St Vincent's Infants St Vincent's Juniors Loreto Prep St Ambrose Prep |
Blessed Thomas Holford St Ambrose College Loreto Grammar School for Girls |
St Ann's Hospice |
| D | LPA 16 | Ashton-on-Mersey, All Saints Partington, Our Lady Sale Sale, Greater Manchester Sale is a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford, in Greater Manchester, England. Historically part of Cheshire, the town lies on flat ground on the south bank of the River Mersey, south of Stretford, northeast of Altrincham, and southwest of the city of Manchester... , St Joseph Sale Sale, Greater Manchester Sale is a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford, in Greater Manchester, England. Historically part of Cheshire, the town lies on flat ground on the south bank of the River Mersey, south of Stretford, northeast of Altrincham, and southwest of the city of Manchester... , St Margaret Ward Sale Moor, Holy Family |
All Saints Holy Family Our Lady of Lourdes St Joseph's St Margaret Ward's |
Blessed Thomas Holford St Ambrose College Loreto Grammar School for Girls |
Region E - Stockport & Tameside
Regional Dean: Canon Vincent Whelan| Region | Pastoral Area | Parishes/Mass Centres | Primary Schools | Secondary Schools | Hospitals & Other Chaplaincies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E | LPA 17 | Brinnington Brinnington Brinnington is a north-eastern suburb of Stockport, Greater Manchester. It is known locally as "Brinny".It is situated on a bluff above a bend in the Tame Valley and is an area of vast regeneration, including the demolition of the Top Shops in 2007, which were replaced by new shops, 53 shared... , St Bernadette Marple Marple, Greater Manchester Marple is a small town within the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, in Greater Manchester, England. It lies on the River Goyt southeast of Stockport.Historically part of Cheshire, Marple has a population of 23,480 .-Toponymy:... , Holy Spirit Offerton Offerton, Greater Manchester Offerton is a suburb of Stockport, Greater Manchester. It includes the areas of Bosden Farm, Foggbrook and the Offerton Estate. It has one high school, Offerton School.-History:... , St Philip Romiley Romiley Romiley is an area of the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, Greater Manchester, England. It borders Marple, Bredbury and Woodley. In Roman times there is thought to have been a settlement along Sandy Lane... , Our Lady & St Christopher http://www.ourladyandstchristophersromiley.org.uk/ Stockport Stockport Stockport is a town in Greater Manchester, England. It lies on elevated ground southeast of Manchester city centre, at the point where the rivers Goyt and Tame join and create the River Mersey. Stockport is the largest settlement in the metropolitan borough of the same name... , St Joseph |
St Joseph's St Bernadette's Cheadle Infants & Junior St Philip's St Christopher's (St Mary's, Marple Bridge) |
Harrytown CH Aquinas College |
Stepping Hill Hospital Cherry Tree Hospital |
| E | LPA 18 | Dukinfield Dukinfield Dukinfield is a small town within the Metropolitan Borough of Tameside, in Greater Manchester, England. It lies in central Tameside on the south bank of the River Tame, opposite Ashton-under-Lyne, and is east of the city of Manchester... , St Mary Hattersley Hattersley Hattersley is a residential area within the Metropolitan Borough of Tameside, in Greater Manchester, England. It is to the east of Hyde and 6 miles west of the Peak District National Park.... , St James Hyde Hyde, Greater Manchester Hyde is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Tameside, Greater Manchester, England. As of the 2001 census, the town had a population of 31,253. Historically part of Cheshire, it is northeast of Stockport, west of Glossop and east of Manchester.... , St Paul Stalybridge Stalybridge Stalybridge is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Tameside in Greater Manchester, England, with a population of 22,568. Historically a part of Cheshire, it is east of Manchester city centre and northwest of Glossop. With the construction of a cotton mill in 1776, Stalybridge became one of... , St Peter Stalybridge Stalybridge Stalybridge is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Tameside in Greater Manchester, England, with a population of 22,568. Historically a part of Cheshire, it is east of Manchester city centre and northwest of Glossop. With the construction of a cotton mill in 1776, Stalybridge became one of... , St Raphael |
St James' St Mary's St Paul's St Peter's St Raphael's |
All Saints CC |
|
| E | LPA 19 | Cheadle Cheadle, Staffordshire Cheadle is a small market town near Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, with a population of 12,158 according to the 2001 census. It is roughly from the city of Stoke-on-Trent, north of Birmingham and south of Manchester... , St Chad Cheadle Hulme Cheadle Hulme Cheadle Hulme is an area of the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, in Greater Manchester, England. It is southwest of Stockport and southeast of the city of Manchester. It lies in the Ladybrook Valley on the Cheshire Plain, and the drift consists mostly of boulder clay, sands and gravels... , St Ann Heald Green Heald Green Heald Green is a suburb of Stockport, Greater Manchester, England. It is situated in the south-west of the borough and is bordered by Gatley and Cheadle to the north, Cheadle Hulme to the east, Handforth and Styal to the south and Wythenshawe to the west... , Christchurch, |
Cheadle Infants Cheadle Juniors |
St James CH Aquinas College |
Cheadle Royal Hospital Stepping Hill Hospital Alexandra Hospital St Ann's Hospice |
| E | LPA 20 | Adswood Adswood Adswood is a suburb of Stockport in England in the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, Greater Manchester. Adswood has a civic amenity site.The name Adswood is said to be derived from 'Adders wood'... , St Ambrose Bramhall Bramhall Bramhall is a suburb of the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, in Greater Manchester, England. It has a population of about 25,500.Research by the University of Sheffield has placed Bramhall as the "least lonely" place in Britain. Bramhall is also regarded as an affluent area where most residents... , St Vincent Hazel Grove Hazel Grove -Education:Hazel Grove has a number of primary schools and Hazel Grove High School, the local high school. Some do decide to go to other local high schools, such as local Marple Hall, in neighbouring village Marple. The main primary schools in the area are, Hazel Grove Primary School, Torkington... , St Peter Shaw Heath, Our Lady |
Cheadle Infant Cheadle Primary Our Lady's St Ambrose St Peter's St Simon's |
Harrytown CH St James CH Aquinas College |
Stepping Hill Hospital |
Region F - Wirral
Regional Dean: Fr Nick Kern| Region | Pastoral Area | Parishes/Mass Centres | Primary Schools | Secondary Schools | Hospitals & Other Chaplaincies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | LPA 21 | Leasowe Leasowe Leasowe is an area on the north coast of the Wirral Peninsula, in the north west of England, near Moreton and between Wallasey and Meols. Leasowe was part of the old County Borough of Wallasey, and is now within the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral, the Wallasey parliamentary constituency and the New... , Our Lady of Lourdes Liscard Liscard Liscard is an area of the town of Wallasey, in the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral, Merseyside, England. The most centrally located of Wallasey's townships, it is the main shopping area of the town, with many shops located in the Cherry Tree Shopping Centre... , St Alban New Brighton New Brighton, Merseyside New Brighton is a seaside resort forming part of the town of Wallasey, in the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral, in the metropolitan county of Merseyside, England. It is located at the northeastern tip of the Wirral Peninsula, within the historic county boundaries of Cheshire, and has sandy beaches... , Ss Peter & Paul Seacombe Seacombe Seacombe is a district of the town of Wallasey, on the Wirral Peninsula, England. Administratively, Seacombe is a ward of the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral. Before local government reorganisation in 1 April 1974, it was part of the County Borough of Wallasey, within the geographical county of... , Our Lady & St Joseph Wallasey Village Wallasey Village Wallasey Village is a district of the town of Wallasey, within the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral in England. Localities within this area are informally said to be in "The Village"... , English Martyrs |
Our Lady of Lourdes St Alban's St Joseph's Ss Peter & Paul's |
St Mary's St Anselm's Upton Hall |
|
| F | LPA 22 | Moreton Moreton, Merseyside Moreton is a town on the north coast of the Wirral Peninsula, England. In the 2001 Census, it had a population of 17,670 .... , Sacred Heart Greasby Greasby Greasby is a large village on the Wirral Peninsula, England. It is part of the Greasby, Frankby & Irby Ward of the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral and is situated in the parliamentary constituency of Wirral West... , Our Lady of Pity West Kirby West Kirby West Kirby is a town on the north-west corner of the coast of the Wirral Peninsula, England, at the mouth of the River Dee across from the Point of Ayr in North Wales. To the north-east of the town lies Hoylake, with the suburbs of Grange and Newton to the east, and the village of Caldy to the... , St Agnes Hoylake Hoylake Hoylake is a seaside town within the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral, on Merseyside, England. It is located at the north western corner of the Wirral Peninsula, near to the town of West Kirby and where the River Dee estuary meets the Irish Sea... , Ss Catherine & Martina |
Our Lady of Lourdes St Alban's St Joseph's Ss Peter & Paul's |
St Mary's St Anselm's Upton Hall |
|
| F | LPA 23 | Heswall Heswall Heswall is a town in Wirral, in the county of Merseyside, England. Administratively, it is a ward of the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral. At the time of the 2001 Census, the total population of the ward was 16,012 , which included the nearby villages of Barnston and Gayton... , Our Lady & St John Neston, St Winefride Pensby Pensby Pensby is a large village on the Wirral Peninsula, England, located to the north east of Heswall. Historically part of Cheshire, it is within the Pensby & Thingwall Ward of the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral and is situated within the parliamentary constituency of Wirral West... , Holy Family |
Our Lady of Lourdes St Alban's St Joseph's Ss Peter & Paul's |
St Mary's Chester Catholic High School Chester Catholic High School Chester Catholic High School or CHS but officially called The Catholic High School, Chester is a Roman Catholic secondary school on the outskirts of Handbridge, Chester, England.- Student population :... St Anselm's Upton Hall |
Murrayfield Hospital |
| F | LPA 24 | Bebington Bebington Bebington is a small town and electoral ward within the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral, in Merseyside, England. It lies south of Liverpool and west southwest of Manchester, along the River Mersey on the eastern side of the Wirral Peninsula... , St Luke Bromborough Bromborough Bromborough is a large village within the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral, in Merseyside, England. It is situated on the Wirral Peninsula, to the south of Bebington and to the north of Eastham... , Christ the King New Ferry New Ferry New Ferry is a small town located on the Wirral Peninsula, England. Situated to the east of Bebington, it is part of the Bromborough Ward of the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral and in the parliamentary constituency of Wirral South... , St John Rock Ferry Rock Ferry Rock Ferry is an area of Birkenhead on the Wirral Peninsula, England. Administratively it is a ward of the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral. Before local government reorganisation on 1 April 1974, it was part of the county of Cheshire... , St Anne |
St Anne's Christ the King St John's Infants St John's Juniors |
St John Plessington St Anselm's Upton Hall |
Clatterbridge Hospital St John's Hospice |
| F | LPA 25 | Birkenhead Birkenhead Birkenhead is a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral in Merseyside, England. It is on the Wirral Peninsula, along the west bank of the River Mersey, opposite the city of Liverpool... , St Joseph Noctorum Noctorum Noctorum is a suburb of Birkenhead on the Wirral Peninsula, England, in the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral. At the 2001 Census the population of Noctorum was 4,990 .... , St Peter Oxton Oxton, Merseyside Oxton is a suburb of Birkenhead, on the Wirral Peninsula, England. Administratively it is a ward of the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral. Originally a village in its own right, it became part of the Municipal Borough of Birkenhead upon its creation in 1877... , Holy Name Upton Upton, Merseyside Upton is a village in the parish of Overchurch on the Wirral Peninsula, England, situated close to Birkenhead. At the 2001 Census, the population was 15,731 , although as a ward of the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral, encompassing a larger area, it was recorded as 16,200.-History:Upton was... , St Joseph Woodchurch Woodchurch Woodchurch is an area of the Wirral Peninsula, in England, which is sometimes considered a suburb of Birkenhead. Administratively, Woodchurch is within the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral and the parliamentary constituency of Wirral West... , St Michael & All Angels |
St Joseph's, B'head St Joseph's, Upton St Michael's St Peter's Redcourt |
St John Plessington St Mary's St Anselm's Upton Hall |
Arrowe Park Hospital |
| F | LPA 26 | Birkenhead Birkenhead Birkenhead is a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral in Merseyside, England. It is on the Wirral Peninsula, along the west bank of the River Mersey, opposite the city of Liverpool... , Holy Cross & St Paul Birkenhead Birkenhead Birkenhead is a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral in Merseyside, England. It is on the Wirral Peninsula, along the west bank of the River Mersey, opposite the city of Liverpool... , Our Lady Birkenhead Birkenhead Birkenhead is a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral in Merseyside, England. It is on the Wirral Peninsula, along the west bank of the River Mersey, opposite the city of Liverpool... , St Werburgh & St Laurence |
Holy Cross Our Lady's St Laurence's St Paul's St Werburgh's |
Plessington St Mary's St Anselm's Upton Hall |
Modern history
The first bishop of the diocese was James Brown, president of Sedgeley Park School, who was consecrated 27 July 1851. Out of a total population of 1,082,617, Catholics numbered about 20,000. There were thirty churches and chapels attended by resident priests, and six stations; one convent, that of the Faithful Companions of JesusFaithful Companions of Jesus
The Faithful Companions of Jesus Sisters was founded in Amiens in France in 1820 by Marie Madeleine de Bonnault d'Hoüet. They are a Christian religious order of the Roman Catholic Church in direct service to the Pope.-Service:...
, in Birkenhead
Birkenhead
Birkenhead is a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral in Merseyside, England. It is on the Wirral Peninsula, along the west bank of the River Mersey, opposite the city of Liverpool...
, to which was attached a boarding school
Boarding school
A boarding school is a school where some or all pupils study and live during the school year with their fellow students and possibly teachers and/or administrators. The word 'boarding' is used in the sense of "bed and board," i.e., lodging and meals...
for young ladies, and also a small day-school for poor children. There were Jesuits at Holywell
Holywell
Holywell is the fifth largest town in Flintshire, North Wales, lying to the west of the estuary of the River Dee.-History:The market town of Holywell takes its name from the St Winefride's Well, a holy well surrounded by a chapel...
, who also had a college at St. Bruno's, Flintshire
Flintshire
Flintshire is a county in north-east Wales. It borders Denbighshire, Wrexham and the English county of Cheshire. It is named after the historic county of Flintshire, which had notably different borders...
, and a Benedictine at Acton Burnell
Acton Burnell
Acton Burnell is a village and parish in the English county of Shropshire. It lies at 110m above sea level and is near to Park Wood.-Attractions:...
. When Dr. Brown celebrated the jubilee of his consecration, the secular priests had increased to sixty-six, and the regulars to thirty-two. Instead of one religious house of men and one of women, there were now four of men, and nine of women; and many elementary schools had been provided for the needs of Catholic children.
In 1852 the bitter feeling caused by the re-establishment of the hierarchy found vent in serious riots at Stockport
Stockport
Stockport is a town in Greater Manchester, England. It lies on elevated ground southeast of Manchester city centre, at the point where the rivers Goyt and Tame join and create the River Mersey. Stockport is the largest settlement in the metropolitan borough of the same name...
. On 29 June a large mob attacked the Church of St Philip and St James; they broke the windows and attempted to force in the doors, but before they could effect an entrance, Canon Randolph Frith, the rector
Rector
The word rector has a number of different meanings; it is widely used to refer to an academic, religious or political administrator...
, succeeded in removing the Blessed Sacrament
Blessed Sacrament
The Blessed Sacrament, or the Body and Blood of Christ, is a devotional name used in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Churches, Old Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches, to refer to the Host after it has been consecrated in the sacrament of the Eucharist...
, and secreting it with the chalice
Chalice (cup)
A chalice is a goblet or footed cup intended to hold a drink. In general religious terms, it is intended for drinking during a ceremony.-Christian:...
s, etc., in a small cupboard in the side chapel. He was compelled to flee immediately to the belltower, and, whilst the rabble were destroying whatever they could lay their hands upon, he made his escape along the roof, and descended by the spouting at the back of the presbytery
Presbytery (architecture)
The presbytery is the name for an area in a church building which is reserved for the clergy.In the oldest church it is separated by short walls, by small columns and pilasters in the Renaissance ones; it can also be raised, being reachable by a few steps, usually with railings....
. Much of the church furniture, with vestment
Vestment
Vestments are liturgical garments and articles associated primarily with the Christian religion, especially among Latin Rite and other Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Anglicans, and Lutherans...
s, etc., was piled up in the street and burned. At St Michael
St Michael
St Michael was a brand that was owned and used by Marks & Spencer from 1928 until 2000.-History:The brand was introduced by Simon Marks in 1928, after his father and co-founder of Marks & Spencer, Michael Marks. By 1950, virtually all goods were sold under the St Michael brand...
's, the Host was desecrated, and the pyx
Pyx
A pyx or pix is a small round container used in the Catholic, Old Catholic and Anglican Churches to carry the consecrated host , to the sick or invalid or those otherwise unable to come to a church in order to receive Holy Communion...
and ciborium carried away.
Although the Catholic population of the diocese was 58,013 (as of the early 20th century), Shropshire contributed under 3,000, partly on account of agricultural depression and the consequent flocking to industrial centres. There were ninety clergy, sixteen convents, representatives of four orders of men, eight secondary schools for girls, an orphanage
Orphanage
An orphanage is a residential institution devoted to the care of orphans – children whose parents are deceased or otherwise unable or unwilling to care for them...
and industrial school for boys, a home for aged poor, a home for penitents, and an orphanage erected in memory of Bishop Knight. At Oakwood Hall, Romiley
Romiley
Romiley is an area of the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, Greater Manchester, England. It borders Marple, Bredbury and Woodley. In Roman times there is thought to have been a settlement along Sandy Lane...
, a house of retreats for working-men opened and had done important work; and at New Brighton
New Brighton, Merseyside
New Brighton is a seaside resort forming part of the town of Wallasey, in the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral, in the metropolitan county of Merseyside, England. It is located at the northeastern tip of the Wirral Peninsula, within the historic county boundaries of Cheshire, and has sandy beaches...
, the nuns of Our Lady of the Cenacle opened a house of retreats for working-women and ladies.
Shropshire is singularly rich in archeological interest, its pre-Reformation parish churches, the noble ruins of monasteries round the Wrekin, the Roman city of Uriconium (Wroxeter
Wroxeter
Wroxeter is a village in Shropshire, England. It forms part of the civil parish of Wroxeter and Uppington and is located in the Severn Valley about south-east of Shrewsbury.-History:...
), the lordly castle of Ludlow
Ludlow
Ludlow is a market town in Shropshire, England close to the Welsh border and in the Welsh Marches. It lies within a bend of the River Teme, on its eastern bank, forming an area of and centred on a small hill. Atop this hill is the site of Ludlow Castle and the market place...
, giving the county a place apart in the heart of the antiquary. In Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury is the county town of Shropshire, in the West Midlands region of England. Lying on the River Severn, it is a civil parish home to some 70,000 inhabitants, and is the primary settlement and headquarters of Shropshire Council...
itself, where once Grey, Black, and Austin Friars and the Black Monks of St. Benedict had foundations, there is now a beautiful little cathedral, built by Edward Pugin. Chester
Chester
Chester is a city in Cheshire, England. Lying on the River Dee, close to the border with Wales, it is home to 77,040 inhabitants, and is the largest and most populous settlement of the wider unitary authority area of Cheshire West and Chester, which had a population of 328,100 according to the...
, too, with its quaint streets, black and white houses, and venerable cathedral and city walls, claims the visitor's attention. When the body of Daniel O'Connell
Daniel O'Connell
Daniel O'Connell Daniel O'Connell Daniel O'Connell (6 August 1775 – 15 May 1847; often referred to as The Liberator, or The Emancipator, was an Irish political leader in the first half of the 19th century...
was brought back from Genoa
Genoa
Genoa |Ligurian]] Zena ; Latin and, archaically, English Genua) is a city and an important seaport in northern Italy, the capital of the Province of Genoa and of the region of Liguria....
, it rested in the old chapel in Queen's Street on its way to Ireland.
Related
- Diocese of Shrewsbury Lourdes HospitalitéDiocese of Shrewsbury Lourdes HospitalitéThe Diocese of Shrewsbury Lourdes Hospitalité is an affiliate of the Hospitalité Notre Dame de Lourdes and the Association of British Lourdes Pilgrimage Hospitalités....
- Diocese Of Shrewsbury Lourdes PilgrimageDiocese Of Shrewsbury Lourdes Pilgrimage"The Roman Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbury serves the population of New Cheshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin with parts of Derbyshire, Halton, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Warrington." Administratively the Diocese is part of the Archdiocese province of Birmingham.The Shrewsbury Diocesan...