WITH sadness greeting the demolition of the Carmelite Convent in Eccleston, one resident has shared his memories of the building. 


Eric Briers, 85, wrote to the Star about his experiences of the religious building, which was a prominent feature of Catholic life in the town around 100 years. 

Eric wrote: "Many long-time residents of Eccleston have been saddened by the demolition of the Carmelite Convent and chapel to prepare for a housing development.

"Its history dates back to 1914 when Sisters of the Carmelite Order moved into what was originally Springfield House, formerly the home of the Walmesley and Cotham families.

"The present chapel was built in 1918, thus being 100 years old but having been vacated by the nuns in 2015.

"Originally the convent housed up to 20 sisters. Over the years the number has been dwindling eventually down to four, who moved to a convent in Cornwall.

"The Carmelite Order is closed; the Sisters spending their lives in seclusion in prayer and meditation. The Sisters depended greatly on the generosity of residents, the number of which increased as house building in the area boomed in the 50s and 60s.

"St Julie's Church was built in 1968. Before then, the local faithful either had to travel to the old St Teresa's in Devon Street, or attend morning Mass at the Carmelite which was normally 8am.

"In the early days my wife and I walked the long trek to Mass at the Carmelite.

"We never saw the Sisters as they were in a separate chapel behind a large grille which looked on to the altar in a chapel just used by the laity. I always remember the Sisters' beautiful voices as they sung hymns.

"Many locals used to take food at the request of the nuns and money.

"One would converse with the Prioress, Reverend Mother Theresa of St Joseph, or one of the other Sisters through a grille.

"Many people visited with intentions for which they asked for prayers; many no doubt answered over the years."