St Clement's Parish Church
Victorian Gothic masterpiece with five centuries of spiritual heritage in Chorlton-cum-Hardy.
St Clement's Parish Church is a Grade II listed Anglican church in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, featuring striking Decorated Gothic architecture. Built in 1866 and consecrated in 1896, the church showcases intricate Victorian design with an impressive mosaic interior scheme. The building represents five centuries of continuous worship in Chorlton, with roots tracing back to a chapel established in 1512. Today, it remains an active parish church serving the local community.
A brief summary to St Clement's Parish Church
- St Clements Parish Church, Youth Centre, Edge Ln, Manchester, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, M21 9AE, GB
- +441618813063
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.75 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the historic lychgate on Chorlton Green, built by William Cunliffe Brooks and still standing as a reminder of the original 1512 chapel site.
- Admire the intricate mosaic interior scheme created by Eric Newton, one of the church's most distinctive artistic features.
- Explore the church's architectural evolution by observing the different sections added over time, particularly the matching north and south transepts.
- Check the church's website or call ahead to confirm opening times and any special services or community events taking place.
- Take time to reflect in the Lady Chapel, added in 1895, which offers a quieter space for contemplation within the larger church.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Chorlton-cum-Hardy, with services running from Manchester city center. Journey times from the city center typically range from 20 to 35 minutes depending on the route and traffic conditions. Buses stop near Edge Lane and St Clement's Road. Single fares cost approximately £1.50 to £2.50, with day passes available for around £4.00 to £5.00.
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Train and Walk
Chorlton-cum-Hardy railway station is approximately 800 meters from the church, accessible via a 10 to 12 minute walk through residential streets. Trains from Manchester Piccadilly take around 15 to 20 minutes. Train fares vary from £2.00 to £4.50 for single journeys depending on time of day. The walk from the station is straightforward but involves some gentle hills.
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Car and Parking
The church is located on Edge Lane in Chorlton-cum-Hardy. Street parking is available in the surrounding residential area, though spaces can be limited during peak times. Parking is typically free on residential streets. The church has limited on-site parking for visitors with mobility needs. Journey times from Manchester city center are approximately 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic.
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Walking from Chorlton Green
The historic Chorlton Green, where the original 1512 chapel stood, is approximately 400 meters from the current church. A pleasant 5 to 7 minute walk through Chorlton village connects the two sites, allowing visitors to trace the spiritual history of the area. The route is relatively flat and passes through the heart of the local community.
St Clement's Parish Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about St Clement's Parish Church
Five Centuries of Spiritual Heritage
The history of Christian worship in Chorlton stretches back over five hundred years. In 1512, the prominent Barlow family established a chapel on what is now Chorlton Green, ending the need for parishioners to travel to Manchester's St Mary's Church for baptisms, weddings, and funerals. This original timber-framed structure served the community for more than three centuries before being replaced by a brick building in 1779. By 1839, the chapel was formally designated a parish church, reflecting Chorlton's growing importance as a settlement.The Victorian Transformation
By 1860, Chorlton had expanded significantly in both population and prosperity, yet the aging brick chapel had fallen into poor repair. A new church building was proposed on land provided by Lord Egerton at the corner of Edge Lane and St Clement's Road. The proposal sparked considerable opposition from parishioners, most notably from the wealthy banker William Cunliffe Brooks, who had funded the lychgate at the old church—a structure that still stands on Chorlton Green today. Despite these objections, construction proceeded, and the new St Clement's Church opened in June 1866, though it would not be formally consecrated until 1896. The old chapel on Chorlton Green remained the official parish church until its demolition in 1940, when the endowment was finally transferred to the new building.Architectural Excellence and Design
The architects Pennington & Bridgen designed St Clement's in the Decorated Gothic style, known for its elaborate ornamentation and refined detailing. Construction began in 1860, with the roof completed by 1866. The church's interior features an impressive mosaic scheme created by Eric Newton of Ludwig Oppenheimer Ltd, contributing to its Grade II listed status. The building underwent significant expansion in the 1880s and 1890s. Architect W. Higginbottom added the north transept in 1883, the Lady Chapel in 1895, and the south transept in 1896. The south transept, designed to mirror the north transept, provided accommodation for over 100 additional worshippers and cost approximately £1,500 to complete.Modern Adaptations and Community Role
In 1976, St Clement's underwent a radical transformation when the church was reoriented, with the congregation facing west rather than the traditional east. This change allowed part of the nave to be converted into two large halls and smaller meeting rooms, enabling the church to serve broader community needs beyond traditional worship. The building now functions as both a spiritual center and a versatile community space. In 1951, the church established St Barnabas as a daughter church to serve the nearby Barlow Moor estate and south Chorlton, extending its pastoral reach across the expanding parish.Architectural Significance and Heritage Status
St Clement's Church represents a masterpiece of Victorian ecclesiastical architecture, combining the aesthetic principles of Gothic Revival with the practical innovations of the industrial age. The church's Grade II listing recognizes its architectural and historical importance to Manchester's heritage. The building stands as a testament to the vision of Victorian architects and the dedication of a community that chose to invest in a magnificent new place of worship. Its survival and continued active use make it a living monument to Chorlton's evolution from a rural hamlet to a thriving urban neighborhood.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St Clement's Parish Church
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Victorian Gothic masterpiece with five centuries of spiritual heritage in Chorlton-cum-Hardy.
Stretford Weir
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Manchester United
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Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour
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Step inside Old Trafford to explore Manchester United’s legendary museum and stadium in an immersive football journey.
Open Mural
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Gnome Island
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The Journey Mural
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Ordsall Hall
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Salford Riviera
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Salford Quays Community Gardens
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Salford Watersports Centre
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IWM North
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Essential places to dine
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Bella Italia - Salford Quays
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Quay House Beefeater
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Unagi
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Lime
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Nando's Salford Quays
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The Alchemist MediaCity UK
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The Botanist Media City
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The Banyan Tree
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Dukes 92
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Albert's Shed Restaurant Manchester
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Dom's Italia
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No 4 Dine & Wine
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Intimate modern European dining in Didsbury with seasonal menus, expert service, and genuine warmth.
WOOD Manchester by Simon Wood
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
SPAR Salford Quays
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The Body Shop
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Flock and Gaggle
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M&S Outlet
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The Sweet Emporium
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Next Outlet
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The Works
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INFINITE RUNNING
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ItsFetch
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Deansgate Square General Store
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Curvilicious Clothing
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Branded Like A Boss
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The University of Manchester Gift Shop
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Utility Gift Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Craftbrew
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SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE Media City
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The Dockyard
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Reflexion Lounge Manchester Shisha
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Bar Eight
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The Wharf
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Barça - Canal-side Bar, Castlefield - Manchester
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Atlas Bar
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Lock 91
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The Deansgate
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cask
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Bliss Club Manchester
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Royal Vida Night Club
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History Nightclub
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42's
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Venue Nightclub
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Satans Hollow
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Club Liv Manchester
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Club Tropicana
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The Cockatoo Club
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Bijou Club
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Architectural Shots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
