We believe that a place of worship has been in Prescot since Anglo Saxon times. Indeed, the font inside the church, St Mary’s Church, dates back to Anglo Saxon times.

Maybe the Eccles in Eccleston (an Anglo Saxon word for church), relates to the church at Prescot as we know how boundaries change over the centuries. Because there has been a place of worship at Winwick since Anglo Saxon times, maybe a route down Elton Head Road, and east through Burtonwood to Winwick, goes back that far.

The circular shape of the churchyard also indicates that a church was on the site before the Norman Conquest, and parts of the existing fabric in the chancel and north vestry date possibly from the 15th century. The church was largely rebuilt in 1610. The font was removed in the Civil Wars of 1642 and returned at the Restoration in 1660. It was during the civil wars that the church, on about three occasions, was used as a billet for prisoners and soldiers. Some even stabled their horses inside.

The tower was built in 1729 and is 75 foot high. The spire was added in 1797 and is also 75 foot high. The tower and spire were designed by Henry Sephton, the spire being rebuilt after a lightning strike. The aisles were widened between 1817 and 1819, a restoration took place in 1876. It is a Grade 1 Listed Building.