An abandoned church in Greater Manchester is going up for sale just in time for Halloween.
St Hilda's Mission Church in Littleborough, Rochdale has stood derelict for almost 25 years - and now hopeful property-buyers could snap up the historic structure in an auction on Wednesday (October 19). The church has a guide price of £25,000 and is five miles away from Rochdale town centre.
It has stunning views of Hollingworth lake and is within walking distance of amenities in Smithy Bridge. Pugh Auctions said the land 'could be suitable for a variety of future uses including possible development potential, subject to any necessary consents.'
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The property is steeped in history; around 250 Roman Catholics in Littleborough banded together in 1878 and built the church. It was originally erected at a site on Featherstall Road.
It was later bought by the Mission of St Hilda, dismantled and re-built at Hollingworth Fold in 1931, until it was closed due to structural problems. Edward Feather, Associate Director at Pugh Auctions, said: “St Hilda’s mission church is an intriguing and unusual property that presents a unique opportunity for the right buyer. Founded in 1931, the church closed in 1998 and has stood derelict ever since.
"The dilapidated remains have caught the attention of many history enthusiasts and passers-by because of its eerie appearance on the landscape. Interestingly, it can only be accessed by foot which adds to the property's mystery.
"But the church’s history goes back much further than that. Records at the Touchstones Local Studies Library in Rochdale show that in the 1870s, there were around 250 Roman Catholics in Littleborough, and they were the ones who all banded together to build the church on its initial site Featherstall Road in 1878.
"It became known as the ‘Iron Church’ as it was made of metal sheets. The church building was later bought by the Mission of St Hilda,before it was dismantled and rebuilt at Hollingworth Fold in 1931.
"But for the right buyer I have no doubt that this historic property is a true gem and it will be interesting to see the final purchase price at this month’s auction.”
Bidding opens on Tuesday October 18 at 10am and more details can be found here.
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