Church Of St Monica

The Church of St Monica is a mission church built between 1865 and 1866 by Edward Welby Pugin for the Augustinian Fathers, with an extension added in 1880. It is constructed of stock brick with some stone dressings and features a slate roof supported by a timber arcade. The church has an eight-bay nave with aisles and a western gallery, characterized by a timber arcade with bracing and chamfers, supporting trusses with cross braces. The exposed rafters above the rose-window clerestorey lead to a two-bay chancel that includes a paired arcade and lancet windows.

The west front presents a compact design, featuring a Perpendicular west window above the central door, flanked by two massive buttresses and topped by a narrow bellcote. The east window contains stained glass from 1924 by M E Aldrich Rope. The altar and reredos are attributed to Edward Welby Pugin, while the single-bay Lady chapel, added in 1880, was designed by John Young. A door beneath the gallery provides access to the priory. This church is noted for being part of a rare surviving group of church, school, and priory designed by an important architect, showcasing a cost-effective yet distinguished building.