A History of St Joseph’s Seminary, Upholland

22 October 2012   Mr Peter Holland

At the end of his talk Mr Holland described the sad state the Seminary is in now since its use was discontinued in the 1990s. Stealing of lead from the roof has resulted in considerable damage due to the ingress of water and the current owners appear to have no plan for the future of the magnificent building. Up to present much of the timberwork excluding the floors has not been affected although all of the easily removable contents have been taken off site.

This is in contrast with Mr Holland’s photographs of the original building and Bishop Bernard O’Reilly’s plans to provide facilities to train additional priests to satisfy the demands of the RC church for the rapidly expanding catholic population in the Archdiocese of Liverpool.

The 150 acre site was acquired at auction in 1877 and construction of the first phase designed by James O’ Bryne and the official opening took place in 1883. The grandeur of the chapels, meeting rooms, fixtures and fittings was unbelievable.

The Seminary closed during WW1 and reopened in 1919 together with a junior seminary. In 1923 Pugin and Pugin were commissioned to construct the next phase which differed from the original concept but was equally as grand, as were the landscaped gardens and sports facilities. This was opened in 1927 and was followed by a new chapel and 14 sub chapels consecrated in 1930 by Cardinal Bourne. The final development was a science block.

 Many people would like to see the buildings transformed to a new use, however their extravagant proportions would need a brilliant architect to integrate them and provide an affordable viable plan.