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ST ALBAN'S CATHOLIC CHURCH - MACCLESFIELD
History & Heritage
St Alban’s is a Grade II* listed masterpiece designed by A.W.N. Pugin. From our Gothic Revival architecture to our War Memorials, we are proud custodians of Macclesfield’s history.
A Masterpiece by A.W.N. Pugin
St Alban’s (built 1839–1841) is a Grade II* listed building designed by the renowned Gothic Revival architect Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin.
Famous for designing the interior of the Houses of Parliament in London, Pugin considered St Alban’s to be among his finest work. It is often affectionately known as the 'Jewel in the Town'.
Did you know?
Pugin designed the iconic clock tower that houses Big Ben!
Milestones of Faith
1841
1851
1982
2011
Pugin's Masterpiece
Seat of the Diocese
Renewal
Bicentenary
The "Jewel in the Town" St Alban’s opened its doors on 25th May 1841. Designed by the legendary A.W.N. Pugin, it remains one of the finest examples of Early Perpendicular Gothic architecture in England.
Following the restoration of the Catholic hierarchy, St Alban’s served as the Pro-Cathedral for the Diocese of Shrewsbury. Here, the Rev. James Brown was consecrated as the first Bishop.
Post-Vatican II Re-ordering Under the direction of Rev. C. Dwyer, the church interior was sensitively re-ordered by architect Richard O’Mahony to align with the new liturgical requirements of the Second Vatican Council.
Two Centuries of Mission The parish celebrated 200 years since the 1811 founding of the Macclesfield mission and the opening of the original St Michael’s Chapel, which stood opposite the current church.
The Vision
Our 'Jewel in the Town' project aimed to restore the Pugin beauty hidden by years of grime, returning the church to its original splendor.
Restoring the Jewel
Our Supporters
Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and our parishioners, we secured the funding needed to save this historic building.
The Future
We are not just preserving a building; we are securing a legacy for future generations to worship and learn in Macclesfield.
Lest We Forget
St Alban’s holds a deep connection to the men of Macclesfield who lost their lives in the World Wars. Our parish archives contain detailed research on the names listed on our memorial plaques, ensuring their stories are never forgotten.