Church Street and Lower Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme

Description:The area in the foreground of this photograph has changed greatly through the years and this scene was not recognisable in 2002. The shops are, from left to right, John Hamrouse, Grocer, Thomas Sproston, currier and leather cutter, T. Florence, an umbrella maker, and Sprostons seconds shop.

St. Giles church stands over this scene. A church has stood on the site for hundreds of years, though the appearance of the church has changed greatly. In 1721 the first of two major rebuilds was completed in the Georgian style by William Smith. In 1876 St. Giles was rebuilt again, this time in the Gothic revival style by Sir George Gilbert Scott, giving us the church which still stands today. Throughout these changes to the building the tower, which dates back to the 13th century, has remained.