Church built more than 700 years ago up for sale with amazing price tag - but there's one catch

A church built more than 700 years ago is up for sale. The Grade II* listed St James' Church in Lancashire has been put on the market, with the diocese saying 'all offers will be considered'.

The church, known as the Church Kirk, is on St James' Road near Accrington, and was constructed in three periods between 1284 and 1896. The site has been used for Christian worship since 642AD, Lancs Live reports.

But the church is said to be in 'very poor condition', needing 'significant funds' to repair it. Offers in the region of £75,000 are being sought by the Anglican Diocese of Blackburn.

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The Venerable Mark Ireland, Archdeacon of Blackburn, said: “The building was, and is, in very poor condition and needs significant funds for repairs. At the same time as we closed Church Kirk, we opened a new church aimed specifically at families.

“Meanwhile we have continued to maintain and monitor this listed building. This is expensive. I have worked hard to find a future for Church Kirk and I am very sorry we have not been able to find a lasting solution to enable continued community use.

“The building is now up for sale. All offers will be considered, including from community groups, as long as they have a viable business plan for the future of the building.”

The property benefits from a planning F1 use as a place of worship and similar uses such as education, museum, or public hall. The property may also be suitable for alternative uses or redevelopment subject to planning and listed building consent.

A special Church Kirk Regeneration Trust was set up to save the building for the local community and