Blue Miranda Church, England

Blue Miranda Church was an abandoned English religious building. Renovation work started in the late 2010s, so it is no longer derelict. I visited the church in 2016, and again in 2017.

The ceiling is reminiscent of Chateau Miranda, a now-demolished chateau in Belgium.

History of Blue Miranda Church

The Blue Miranda Church was built in the mid-1800s. The church was plagued with dry rot, and services ceased in the late 1990s due to structural concerns. It was deemed too expensive to repair and therefore closed.

It was subsequently purchased by a developer, who seemingly left it to rot for well over a decade. During this time, the church was stripped. At the time of my visit, only a few pews remained. Additionally, sections of the ceiling had begun to collapse, and water damage had occurred. This is because the roof timbers and wood laths behind the plaster were beginning to collapse. Roof failure was becoming a real risk.

Auction and renovation in the late 2010s

Eventually, Blue Miranda Church was put up for auction in the late 2010s. The guide price was £80,000 to £90,000. Happily, the church was purchased.

The new development plans have been praised as exemplary; it seems many original features will be saved. The renovation is set to be tasteful. The new property will include a central courtyard, complete with water feature. Although the graveyard will be altered, the memorial stones will be kept on-site.

Interesting architectural features

The walls are constructed of course gritstone, local Millstone Grit. The roof is Welsh Slate. There is a spire and belltower. Inside, there is a 7-bay nave with is flanked by lean-to aisles. Lancet windows line the aisle. The building is bright and airy.

The impressive vaulted ceiling is painted a vivid blue. This ceiling is supported by white plaster ribs, decorated with bosses at the apex. The roof is partially supported by quatrefoil columns, with molded capitals and arches.