Monument record 438/3 - St Elphin's Church

St Elphin's Church possibly developed from a pre-Norman foundation. Very rare dedication & some dispute as to whether the name 'Elphin' derives from a British original (?Alphinus) or whether it derives from a British Saxon name Aelfwine. In the former case, the original foundation would not post-date the 7th century, while the latter would suggest a Saxon foundation. Fragments of late 12th century church area in Warrington Museum(1). Of the old building, only the chancel remains dating to the 14th century, with a restored crypt beneath. Wide nave, wide aisles, chapels, crossing tower & spire are mid to late 19th century, sandstone built with slate roof. The church was besieged by Parliamentary troops in 1643 & damaged. Some medieval monuments inside, others of 18th & early 19th centuries (2)(3).

<1> Grealey S, 1976, The Archaeology of Warrington's Past, /42 (Book). SCH3046.

<2> Department for the Environment, Various, Provisional List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, /7/no 1/21 1947 (Report). SCH2744.

<3> Carter G A, 1971, Warrington and the Mid-Mersey Valley, /150-152 (Book). SCH3679.

<4> 1984, Notes on Warrington Parish Church (Book). SCH2289.