St Mary del Quay is a historic church in Liverpool, England. Built in 1257, it was the town’s main center of worship until 1355 when a new chapel dedicated to St Mary and St Nicholas was constructed. Although the church was extended over time, it remained largely unchanged until disaster struck in 1810 when the spire collapsed, killing 25 people. A new tower and lantern were built in 1811-1815, and a new ring of 12 bells were installed by Dobson of Downham Market. The churchyard was closed in 1849 and transformed into a public garden in 1891 in memory of James Harrison. The church was largely destroyed during WWII and was rebuilt and reconsecrated in 1952 with a new design by architect Edward C. Butler. The nave is 46ft tall and the altar is positioned at the western end of the church, with the organ and Refectory situated above the Narthex, reducing seating space inside the church. Notable features include a distinctive lantern spire, fixed woodwork carved with the vine motif referencing Christ, a stained glass window of Our Lady and St Nicholas inscribed “For the Healing of the Nations,” a war memorial commemorating the Cunard Steamship Company, and two chapels dedicated to St Peter and St Mary. The church is also linked to the famous phrase, “I’ll be waiting till Dick docks.”
Posted by Terry Kearney on 2009-04-08 18:28:56