Did you know that The Parish Church of St Olave, North Ramsey, wasn’t always the only option for Ramsey residents north of the river? Back in 1847, a building known as Taggart’s Barn served as a temporary place for divine service. Let’s step inside this church and uncover its history.
The Parish Church of St Olave stands as a testament to Ramsey’s growth. As the town expanded north of the Sulby River, the need for a more convenient place of worship became clear. The parish church of Kirk Christ Lezayre was more than two miles distant. The faithful of the north bank needed a church of their own.
Construction on The Parish Church of St Olave began in 1861. It was completed and licensed in 1862. However, it wasn’t officially consecrated until April 20th, 1881. The church was built in the Early English Decorated style. Local stone and red Whitehaven sandstone were used. Michael Manning of London designed it. Though some guides state Sir Arthur Pearson was the architect.
On July 4th, 1881, the Church Commissioners approved a proposal. This proposal created a Parochial District. The land for the church was a gift. William Callister of Thornhill and his wife conveyed the plot to Edward Curphey Farrant. Farrant then granted and sold it to the Vicar, Rev. Edward Snepp, and his Wardens. The trust deed, dated September 4th, 1862, ensured the Vicar and his Curates could always use the church.
The boundaries of St. Olave’s District were carefully defined. They started at the low water mark at Ramsey harbor’s outlet. They then followed the parish boundaries of Lezayre and Maughold. The boundary continued along the Ramsey River. It extended to a drain near Derby Road and then through various properties. Finally, it reached the boundary of Lezayre, Andreas, and Bride.
The Parish Church of St Olave has seen many vicars. Before its construction, William Kermode served until 1843. After Taggart’s Barn was licensed, W. D. Carter took over in 1847. Then came a succession of leaders. These included Thomas Street Millington, Robert Airey, and William French Clay. Later vicars included J. J. Stevenson Moore and Thomas Booth Lee.
Theophilus Talbot, a noted antiquary, became vicar in 1870. E. H. Curwen and Charles Buckley followed. In 1879, William Morris took the position. He was a graduate of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge.
Later notable vicars of The Parish Church of St Olave included Charles Hopkins and A. K. Dearden. William Edward Davies served from 1904 to 1917. Charles Vincent Stockwood took over in 1918. Walter Stanley became vicar in 1928. Halford William Young served from 1930.
Today, The Parish Church of St Olave continues to offer regular Sunday worship. Services are held every Sunday at 9:45 a.m. They last for one hour. The Parish Church of St Olave stands as a testament to faith and community. It is a place where tradition and history intertwine. It offers a welcoming space for all who seek spiritual guidance.