church for several years and were donated to the tradesman who eventually took the job. The tower contains a single bell of 31 cwt (1.5 tonnes) cast by Mears and Stainbank of Whitechapel which is the heaviest swinging bell in Lancashire. The use of the bell is restricted, due to protected birds nesting in the belfry, meaning it can only be rung in winter months. The spire is occasionally open to the public at weekend evenings, via on-line booking. A small ticket charge is made in aid of church funds. Exterior St Walburge's is renowned not just for its height but also for the inventive quality of its architecture, in which the architect has looked to Gothic models, employing the traditional features in a creative and harmonious way. The Open Churches Trust says of St Walburge's that it "undoubtedly an architectural gem of the North West of England." The New Red Sandstone facade presents as an unaisled church with a very steep gable. A strongly horizontal arcade, divides the facade into two zones, balanced by strongly projecting buttresses and corner pinnacles typical of many English Gothic cathedrals. The arcade is countered by the verticality of strongly projecting buttresses and corner pinnacles typical of many English Gothic cathedrals. The upper zone is dominated by a rose window in diameter occupying almost the full width of the nave. Interior The interior, which seats about 1,000 people, is long and wide. The open wooden roof of is supported of fourteen hammerbeams, on the ends of which stand lifesized carved the figures of saints. The church contains an organ by William Hill of London, 1855. Other significant features include a wooden triptych and a crucifix with the shield of Preston and the motto "Princeps Pacis". St. Ignatius of Loyola is also prominently represented to the right in the sanctuary, echoing the influence of the Jesuit priests still active in the city. The patron saints of Great Britain are also represented. Gallery See also Grade I listed churches in Lancashire Listed buildings in Preston, Lancashire List of tallest churches List of tallest structures built before the 20th century Notes External links Saint Walburges Church Website The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest Saint Walburge Saint Walburge Roman Catholic churches in Lancashire Grade I listed churches in Lancashire Roman Catholic Diocese of Lancaster Grade I listed Roman Catholic churches in England Roman Catholic churches completed