Church Of St Swithin

The Church of St Swithin is a parish church dating from 1727, with later additions in 1826, 1895 and 1961. It is constructed of coursed squared coal measures sandstone, with quoins, a coped gable with a cross finial to the chancel, and slated roof coverings. The church comprises a west tower, a 20th-century tower porch, a nave, a chancel, and a vestry. The two-stage west tower features flat bands delineating the stages; the first stage has a single light pointed arched window within a chamfered surround, and the second stage includes a clock face and an embattled parapet with crocketed pinnacles, incorporating a segmental headed plaque bearing the date 1826. A 20th-century gabled lean-to porch encloses the original entrance, which has a quoined surround, a massive lintel, and a planked door with a glazed light. A matching two-light window with a slightly chamfered mullion and leaded glazings, set within a flush surround, is located above the entrance within the porch, and another window of the same design is positioned above it, lighting the nave gallery. The three-bay nave has tall semi-circular headed windows with raised alternating quoins to the surrounds. The chancel was added in two single-bay phases; the later 19th-century bay has a single lancet and a moulded eaves band, with a buttress to the original end wall. An angled buttress is found at the new south-east corner, and the tripartite east window consists of a tall central lancet flanked by lower lancets, framed within a recessed panel of ashlar sandstone, beneath a semi-circular headed arch. Gabled vestry and Sunday school additions extend from the north side. The interior retains a gallery with pews, supported by thin circular iron columns, and a stone access stair within the tower. Further interior features include charity boards and 19th-century fittings.