St Michael-in-the-Hamlet is one of only two surviving cast iron churches by Cragg and Rickman. Built in 1815, the tracery, pinnacles, mouldings, and building frame are all of cast iron. The exterior is Gothic Revival, Perpendicular in design with spectacular east window tracery. The church was part of the Cast Iron Shore – an area on the Mersey full of iron works, which was used in buildings. Even the shore was stained red with iron. The cast iron houses are now gone, but the church remains, a vital part of a Conservation Area.
Added in 1919, the tower clock commemorates the fallen of the First World War, as does a stained glass window by local artist Gustav Hiller. A monument commemorates Jeremiah Horrox (1618-41), known as the Father of Modern Astronomy.
The project will create a complete new roof structure, ventilated and insulated, with new stainless steel coverings. The north aisle roof had reached the end of its life and the expansion of rusting iron has caused stone pinnacles to crack and become dangerous. Water ingress is widespread, and has caused rot and corrosion within the roof structure – now at risk of collapse. Alongside the repair will be heritage interpretation displays to engage visitors with the history of this much-loved and iconic building.