St. Mary’s is the parish church of the Ancient Parish of Penwortham and dates from the 14th century. Although located in an urban area its setting is very attractive being in the midst of ancient woodland.
Now almost overwhelmed by urban Preston, the church of St Mary’s stands on the wooded site near the remains of a Saxon fortification, overlooking an ancient crossing of the River Ribble.
After the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror gave Penwortham to Roger de Poicteau, and it was perhaps this Roger who was responsible for building the Norman motte which can easily be seen beside the church. The churchyard is accessed by way of a lych gate erected in 1896.
Paul.
