St. Stephens on-the-Cliffs Church, Blackpool

Located on Holmfield Road in Blackpool, Saint Stephen’s on-the-Cliffs is a vibrant Anglican parish church within the Diocese of Blackburn. Originally founded as a mission church to All Hallows, Bispham, it opened its doors in 1912 and quickly became known as "The Church on the Cliffs." By 1919, the growing congregation led to its establishment as an independent parish.

The present church was designed by Henry Paley of the Lancaster architectural firm Austin and Paley. Its foundation stone was laid in 1925 by William Temple, then Bishop of Manchester and later Archbishop of Canterbury. Though only partially completed at first, the church was consecrated in 1927 by the first Bishop of Blackburn, Percy Herbert. Over the decades, it has continued to expand, with a columbarium added in 1949, and further features including a porch, narthex, and baptistry completed in 2001–02.

The church is built from striking red brick with stone detailing and features Decorated-style tracery windows. Inside, the walls are lined with red sandstone, and the choir boasts finely carved furnishings depicting angel musicians and saints. The integral sandstone pulpit is intricately adorned with saintly figures and foliage.

Saint Stephen’s has long enjoyed a special connection with the local performing arts scene. In 1929, it established the Actors’ Chapel within the north aisle, dedicated to Saint Genesius, the patron saint of actors. The reredos depicts singers, dancers, and entertainers, while alabaster tablets on the walls memorialize beloved performers. The chapel also houses notable stained glass by Baron Arild Rosencrantz, featuring Parsifal, Everyman, and Galahad.

The church’s rich artistic legacy includes stained glass by Shrigley and Hunt (1930s) and Harry Stammers (1960s), along with a Madonna statue gifted by entertainer Tessie O’Shea. Its historic three-manual pipe organ, crafted by Henry Willis between 1881 and 1895, adds further to the church’s cultural and spiritual atmosphere. Today, the original mission church survives as the parish hall, continuing to serve the community.