Downham St Leonard's Home

No one knows how long there has been a church at Downham. During the rebuilding of 1910 traces of what were believed to be early Norman or Anglo- Saxon foundations were unearthed. The presence, within the parish, of a field called Kirkacre - a pure Saxon word - adds credence to an estimate of 1,000 years. The church, with fifteenth century tower and main body of 1910, stands at the top of the steep main street of the village in a perfect and harmonious grouping with Downham Hall. This has been the home of the Asshetons since several months before the accession of Queen Elizabeth I in 1558. The present Lord Clitheroe is Patron of the parish church. The Parish Church of Downham St. Leonard is in a joint benefice with St Mary’s Clitheroe, St Paul’s Clitheroe and Christchurch, Chatburn, the neighbouring parish.

Visitors

We are an open church; the door is unlocked from morning to dusk every day. Visitors are welcome to look round, guidebooks are available (see also history link).

Visitors are warmly welcome to attend all our services (for details see our services page, and latest newsletter).

Services

1st and 3rd Sunday at 11.15 am

Holy Communion from the Book of Common Prayer

2nd, 4th and 5th Sunday at 11.15 am

Matins from the Book of Common Prayer

Special Services such as Mothering Sunday, Harvest Festival, Carol Service and Christingle are announced in the Parish newsletter and shown on the website.

Our 11.15 am Holy Communion Service from the Book of Common Prayer pdf

St Leonard Downham Parish Policy on Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults in the Church pdf