St. Josephs Seminary
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St Joseph's College, or Seminary as it more commonly known. Is a Former Roman Catholic Seminary, situated in Lancashire, England.
The College was founded by Bishop Bernard O'Reilly and was to be the Seminary serving the North West of England. The foundation stone of the building was laid in April 1880 and college was opened in 1883. The buildings have recently been deconsecrated.
The Seminarys purpose was to instruct students (seminarians) in philosophy, theology, spirituality and religious life. In order to prepare them to become members of the clergy. In this case Roman Catholic priests.
Along with the other main seminary in the north of England Ushaw. Candidates for the priesthood studied and were ordained at the college.
Boys of 11 years of age entered the Junior Seminary before progressing to the senior Seminary at 18.
In 1972 following the changes in the Vatican the two junior seminaries of St. Joseph's and Ushaw merged at Upholland. In 1975, with declining numbers of men offering themselves for the Diocese of Liverpool the Senior seminary moved to Ushaw.
St. Joseph's continued to offer boarding school education for boys considering a vocation until 1987.
Following the end of the seminary training and boarding education St. Joseph's became home to the Northern Institute. It was then used as a retreat and conference centre for the Diocese. Under the leadership of Msgr John Devine.
The election of Archbishop Patrick Kelly saw the controversial decision to close St. Joseph's altogether. The seminary was sold to Anglo International. Who instructed AEW Architects to start conversion of the Grade II listed Seminary into 92 apartments, with 220 new units.
Since its closure St. Josephs has remained empty despite plans to convert it. The grounds and seminary are still maintained while its future is decided.
Currently St. Josephs is being used to shoot a Horror movie as well as being used by the BBC to shoot the supernatural drama series Apparitions.
There is only one word to describe St. Josephs. Epic! From its exterior to its interior the place is
beyond belief. The only thing that springs to mind in comparison with it is Hogwarts from the Harry Potter films. An awesome site and one of the best explores in the North West of England.
