The Bombed Out Church
| Location |
| Berry Street and Leece Street opposite the top of Bold Street. |
| Hours |
| Thursday to Sunday 12.00 to 16.00 (weather permitting) but also in the evenings and on other days if the programme requires. Please call 0151 709 7562 for information, or visit http://www.myspace.com/lunchatstlukes |
| Established |
History
St Luke's was designed and built by John Foster and his son John Foster Junior between 1811 and 1832. During construction it caused much controversy as it houses the first cast iron metal bell frame (which is still in tact). It was known locally as the Doctor's Church due to it's proximity to Rodney Street.
St Luke's was hit by an incendiary device just after midnight on Monday, 5 May/Tuesday May 6th 1941 and the resulting fire was described by the Liverpool Echo as "magnificent". Whilst some activities (weddings and christenings) continued to take place at St Luke's following the Blitz, eventually it was closed to the public, and sold by The Church of England to Liverpool City Council in 1986. The main body of the church effectively remained closed to the public between 1941 and 2007.
Current Use
Since 2007 Urban Strawberry Lunch have been opening St Luke's to the public, and it has become one of the city's best loved visitor attractions. The programme includes performances, festivals, film screenings, exhibitions, workshops, community events and much more. It is also intended to be a space for peace and tranquility. Admission is free but please give a generous donation in order to keep the building open to the public.
The Garden
The gardens that surround the church are beautifully maintained by Liverpool City Council's Parks and Gardens Department, and are open daily from 08.00 to 18.00. The gardens host a memorial to the victims of the Irish Famine, and also to Roy Castle.
