Heritage
A Historical Overview
A Historical Overview
While Darwen has Bronze Age roots and Roman links, with a road passing through connecting Blackburn to Manchester, it is during the Industrial Revolution the Town grew the most.
The township of Over Darwen, where St James’ Church is located, sits in the upper valley and first appears in records from 1276 as Overderewnte. Historically the area consisted of moorland and pasture. Records indicate a church has stood on the site since at least 1535, known as Derwent Chapel, likely a Chapel-of-Ease and the oldest site of worship in Darwen.
In the late 17th century, religious tensions between the Church of England and Nonconformists led to disputes with the Bishop of Blackburn and petitions to the King from 1687. The Nonconformists eventually established Lower Chapel in 1719, while Derwent Chapel became known as Higher Chapel.
Between 1722 and 1723, Higher Chapel was demolished after burial vaults undermined its structure. A new church, St James’, was built on the same site, just a few feet to the north. According to historical accounts, the new church followed almost exactly the same size and plan as the previous chapel.
During the Industrial Revolution, Darwen’s population and prosperity grew rapidly, largely driven by textile production. The town also became known for paper making, iron and brass working, block printing, bleaching and coal mining. Crown Paints, still operating in the town today, is a legacy of this industrial past. Mining subsidence caused damage to St James’, leading to major repairs between 1851 and 1853.
Historic maps from 1845 and 1909 show that the paths surrounding St James’ were once key everyday routes, with the church positioned directly on a crossroads. As transport evolved and cars became more dominant, the surrounding roads were altered and the church’s relationship with these routes changed.
Historic drawings and photographs suggest the church has undergone several alterations over time, including the replacement of the original cupola dome and finials with the current bell housing. Other changes included ventilation features, window alterations and internal layout adjustments.
Originally, the church interior was arranged very differently. The chancel area was once the apse with a glazed dome, galleries ran along the nave walls and exposed timber roof trusses were visible. The space was later reconfigured, partly as the wealthier residents who owned box pews moved away from the area.
A major extension took place between 1937 and 1940, designed by Sidney Eaton. This added the transepts, as well as the current chancel and vestry, significantly enlarging the building.
Further changes followed, including alterations to glazing, the introduction of steel roof trusses and a suspended ceiling, and the removal of the cupola dome and finials. In 1979, additional internal and external works focused on modernisation and security, including the introduction of a kitchen and other interior updates.
This brief history highlights the enduring importance of St James’ Church to the local community. From its origins in the 16th century, through rebuilding, repair and expansion across the centuries, the church has continually evolved to meet the needs of Darwen. The current plans for its development continue this long tradition of community investment in the site.
Our Church
For hundreds of years St James’ has been central and sustaining for the people of Over Darwen. Thank to our partners at the National Lottery Heritage Fund we are exploring our heritage in depth at the moment as we prepare for extensive renovations. It is an exciting time and our church community is rising to the challenge to be even more of a blessing to Over Darwen.
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