St Chad’s is a beautiful, peaceful village church, about 15 minutes’ walk from Highcross Corner. Sunday services are at 8am and 10am, using Common Worship liturgy. There is no choir but the singing is enthusiastic.
The church dominates the town with its striking ship weather vane, and its bells can be heard throughout Poulton. The current building dates from 1751, in a Georgian style, though it incorporates some older walls.
History
A church has existed on this site since at least 1094, when it was given to the Abbey of St Martin in Normandy by Roger, Count of Poitou. The area was historically a Catholic stronghold — nearby Rossall Grange and Mains Hall (now the River Barn restaurant) both have Catholic connections.
The Stocks and Whipping Post
The stocks and whipping-post still stand in Poulton’s Market Square, just outside the churchyard. A ducking stool was also used at the Breck and was remembered as late as 1837.
