St James' Church, Latchford, Warrington

St James’ Church in Latchford, Warrington, is one of those early nineteenth-century churches built in the gothic style which was then at the beginning of fashion. It would remain so until the early twentieth century, with its pointed arches, battlements and window tracery. It had already been fashionable from 1200-1500, so St James’ must be described as ‘gothic revival’. We are so used to seeing Victorian churches built in this manner that we overlook St James’ and its like being quite stylish and notable in their day. Gothic revival was likely a reaction against the faceless anonymity and dirt of the industrial revolution and the early development of globalisation with European imperialism. Harking back to better, simpler times offered a degree of comfort to those perplexed by the belching mills and factories, the strange new imports and peculiar fashions from around the world.

Today’s apparent and much reported interest in Bibles and churches among the young and men, two groups which are traditionally hard to reach, may well be just a reaction against the stupidity of wokery and the menacing growth of ‘foreign’ religions. It is not better times we need, nor a delightful stroll down Yester Lane, but Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone can offer hope, meaning and life.

A  D