Burton - The Parish Church of St Nicholas – the interior

This church dates mainly from the early eighteenth century but prior to the rebuilding of the church in 1721 there had stood three previous churches on this site – the first stone one being erected in 1086. All that remains of this church are two Norman scalloped capitals that can be seen in the porch as you enter the church.

Also in the porch, built into the North wall is this early 13th century coffin lid whose carving is in remarkable condition considering the church went through some periods of utter neglect.

The window at the far end of the North aisle dates to around 1300.

At one time, when someone of social standing died a hatchment board would be set up over their doorway for a year after which it was put in the local church. This hatchment is that of Richard Congreve who died in 1857.

Although it looks older the East window is early 20th century and is the work of Charles Eamer Kempe whose trademark – a small wheatsheaf – can be seen in the bottom left corner. The window shows the crucifixion between St Nicholas and St George.

St Nicholas was the patron saint of mariners – a reminder of Burton’s former maritime glory before the Dee silted up and left it high and dry.

This window dates from 1926.

These communion rails are the oldest in the Wirral; their twisted and carved balusters are Jacobean from the end of the 17th century.