St Paul’s Church
A Grade II listed Anglican parish church in Preston’s historic St Paul’s Square, now redundant but preserved as part of England’s architectural heritage.
At a glance
St Paul’s Church stands in St Paul’s Square, Preston, Lancashire. Built with support from the Church Building Commission as one of its Commissioners’ churches, the building reflects the nineteenth-century expansion of Anglican parish infrastructure across industrial England.
History
The church received a grant from the Church Building Commission toward its construction, placing it among the wave of new Anglican parishes established during Britain’s period of rapid urbanisation. From 1981 to 2020, the building served as home to radio stations Rock FM and Greatest Hits Radio Lancashire, originally broadcasting as Red Rose Radio. This secondary use allowed the structure to remain active in community life even after its ecclesiastical role ended.
What you see
The building’s architectural details reflect its nineteenth-century Anglican parish church origins. Its Grade II listing recognises the building’s historical and architectural merit within Preston’s townscape.
Cultural significance
St Paul’s Church represents an important chapter in Preston’s religious and social history. The transition of the building from active parish church to broadcasting hub demonstrates how redundant religious structures can find new cultural purposes. Its listing status ensures its preservation as part of England’s built heritage.
Key facts
- Location: St Paul’s Square, Preston, Lancashire, England
- Country: United Kingdom
- Coordinates: 53.7624, -2.6941
- Status: Grade II listed building, redundant Anglican parish church
- Notable use: Home to Rock FM and Greatest Hits Radio Lancashire, 1981–2020
Practical information & getting there
St Paul’s Church is located in Preston’s city centre at St Paul’s Square. As a redundant church, public access may be limited; check locally for current opening hours or community use arrangements.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
See this place and what’s around it →📷 Diventa un fotografo di Cultural Heritage Online
Condividi le tue foto dei luoghi: restano pubblicate con la tua firma come autore. Più vengono viste, più ti fai conoscere — e presto un concorso premierà le foto più apprezzate.
Accedi o registrati gratis per aggiungere una fotoDo you manage this place?
This page is read by travellers and heritage enthusiasts who find it on Google. Keep it accurate — and make it work for you. Free for non-profit heritage institutions.