Why this Lancashire market town features a church with both a tower and spire.
In short: Ormskirk, a historic market town in West Lancashire, is defined by its unique ecclesiastical architecture and a culinary legacy of gingerbread. While its administrative future remains a subject of local debate, the town has evolved from a medieval settlement into a vital hub for education, transport, and regional commerce.
The name Ormskirk is believed to have Scandinavian roots, derived from the Old Norse 'Ormres kirkja'. While local legend suggests a Viking named Ormr founded the church, no archaeological evidence confirms his identity. The town’s history is deeply tied to the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul, which stands on a sandstone outcrop. This building is notable for being one of only three in England to feature both a tower and a separate spire at the same end, a configuration local folklore attributes to a desire to satisfy two sisters who each preferred a different design.
The town’s development was spurred by a royal charter granted by Edward I in 1286, establishing a market that continues to operate twice weekly. By the 19th century, the arrival of the railway transformed Ormskirk into a centre for trade, famously enabling local women to sell gingerbread to passing passengers. This tradition became so ingrained that even Edward, Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, became a customer. The town’s infrastructure also grew to include the Ormskirk Poor Law Union, established in 1837, whose workhouse eventually transitioned into the local district general hospital.
Today, Ormskirk serves as the administrative centre of the West Lancashire district, though its identity is complex. Despite being part of Lancashire, the town maintains strong economic and transport links with Merseyside and the Liverpool City Region. As of September 2026, the future administrative structure of the region remains under review, with ongoing discussions about whether to integrate more closely with neighbouring Sefton or remain within proposed South Lancashire arrangements. This tension between historical administrative boundaries and modern economic reality defines the town's current trajectory.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Ormskirk
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