St Peter’s Church Liverpool

From “Picture of Liverpool: Stranger’s Guide” published in 1834

ST PETER’S CHURCH

This edifice, which stands on the south side of Church street was built by assessment, and consecrated in 1704. It cost three thousand five hundred pounds and is said to be the first parish church that was erected in Lancashire after the Reformation. There are four portals, and each in a different style of architecture – a proof how little good taste or architectural beauty was understood at that time in this town. The upper part of the tower is octangular and ornamented at the angles with pinnacles, each bearing a gilt vane.

The entire height of the steeple is 108 feet, and it has a peal of eight bells.

The interior of the church is furnished with pews, and the galleries rest on four well carved oak pedestals, on which rise an equal number of plain columns, supporting the roof.

The altar exhibits a fine specimen of rich carving in oak, and is generally and deservedly admired. A representation of St Peter, in stained glass decorates the east window, and a large and handsome organ occupies the west end, with a gallery on each side, appropriated to the use of the children who belong to the Blue Coat Hospital.

On the east is a monument erected to the memory of William LAWLEY Esq, of Staffordshire, and on the south side there is another erected to the memory of Foster CUNLIFFE Esq

In 1715, a mariner named John FELLS gave a donation of thirty pounds, for the purpose of founding a small theological library in this church. It has since received additions from one of the rectors, and at present comprises 107 volumes in folio, 56 in quatro, and 54 in octavo. These works are deposited in the vestry , and chiefly treat on divinity and ancient church history”