Halton, St Wilfrid's Church
History, tourist information, and nearby accommodation
HERITAGE RATING: 
HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS: Viking cross fragments

Halton, St Wilfrid's Church
The parish church at Halton dates back to at least 1190. Much of the current building is the result of a heavy rebuilding in the Victorian period, however. There is a late 16th-century tower, but the main historic interest at Halton is provided by a Viking cross in the churchyard.
The Halton cross stands some 4.5 metres high and probably dates to the 10th or 11th century. What is fascinating about the Halton cross is that it is carved with both Christian and Viking symbols, the latter illustrating the story of Sigurd and his combat with the dragon Fafnir.
The top of the cross was removed in the 16th century, and the shaft was used as a sundial. In the late Victorian period, a new top was added in a rough approximation of the original.
A pair of early grave slabs are set into the wall of the porch, and there are further fragments of Saxon crosses under the tower. There is also a very fine mausoleum for the Bradshaw family, built in classical style around 1775. Near the church are the remnants of an 11th-century Norman motte and bailey fortification.
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About Halton, St Wilfrid's Church
Address: Church Brow,
Halton,
Lancashire,
England, LA2 6LR
Attraction Type: Historic Church
Location: Halton is just off Junction 34 of the M6
Location map
OS: SD499646
Photo Credit: , licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence
HERITAGE
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.
Historic Time Periods:
Saxon
Victorian
Find other attractions tagged with:
11th century (Time Period) -
16th century (Time Period) -
motte and bailey (Historical Reference) -
Norman (Architecture) -
Saxon (Time Period) -
Victorian (Time Period) -
Viking (Historical Reference) -