DISCOVER the hidden treasures inside a beautiful 800-year-old church is the invitation from St Luke's as Farnworth Parish Church opens its doors to the public.

Guided tours are offered to visitors every Tuesday afternoon from 2pm-3.30pm, until September 5.

It is a chance for people to learn the fascinating history and see many of St Luke's treasures, sculptures and monuments.

This red sandstone church, standing at the top of the village street, has been a landmark in the area for more than eight centuries.

It was founded about 1180, dedicated to the Anglo-Saxon St Wilfrid, and in 1859 was re-dedicated to St Luke.

There are many interesting architectural features - late Norman, early English, perpendicular and 19th century stone work, a 14th century tower and a beautiful Tudor ceiling in the chancel.

Bold Chapel is particularly unusual with its handsome monuments and interesting hatchments belonging to the Bold family are to be seen in the nave of the church.

The registers of the church date back to 1538 and record the names of many famous people.

They include Bishop William Smythe, who founded Farnworth grammar school in the church in 1507.

Bishop Richard Bancroft, 1544-1611, who supervised the preparation of the authorised version of the bible and became Archbishop of Canterbury is also listed.

Refreshments will be available and visitors are welcome to browse around the library.

Anyone wishing to see the church at other times is asked to phone Alan Foster 0151-424 7598 to make an appointment.

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