When Bartholomew Bretherton came to live in Rainhill opposite the Ship lnn he prospered from his coaching business and he decided to build a church in a prominent position near to his estate.
The impressive design was based on the Church of ‘Santa Bartolomeo’ in Rome. The foundation stone was laid by his daughter, Mrs Mary Gerrard in April 1833 and the Church was consecrated in August 1840. John A. O’Neill (The Church and Parish of St Bartholomew’s, Rainhill).
ln the mid-nineteenth century Roman Catholics were not allowed to have bells within the church building, so a separate bell tower was planned. lt was completed in 1849.
The imposing gateway was added in 1883 by Mrs Stapleton-Bretherton (formerly Mrs Gerrard).