History of St Oswald Winwick

For over a thousand years, people have worshipped here. The earliest Christian associations are with St. Oswald, King of Northumbria from 634 – 642 AD.

The present building dates from about 1358, although the Legh Chapel and the Tower  are older. Over the centuries much of the church has been rebuilt or restored. Oliver Cromwell stationed his troops in the Church after the Battle of Red Bank in 1648, and caused serious damage. Until 1849, the Chancel and Sanctuary lay derelict, when it was restored by the famous architect A.W. Pugin.

Today, the Church is a vibrant part of the community of Winwick. It is now the only Church in the village, and as such, has signed a “Declaration of Ecumenical Welcome”, inviting members of all other denominations, and none, to use it as their own.