From a distance St Edmund's looks like any large Victorian Gothic parish church, but as you draw closer you begin to understand why Pevsner called this one of England’s finest architectural gems. Marvelling at the exotic interior he framed this amazing building as “Rochdale's Temple to Freemasonry”. And not without justification. Sitting proudly atop the highest point of the town, St Edmund’s is the only church in the country so overtly dedicated to Masonic symbolism. Even the churchyard owes its shape to Masonic geometry.

In stark contrast to St Edmund, the 18^th century church of St Thomas’ in Friarmere is a plain, simple structure perched high on the edge of Saddleworth Moor above Delph. Despite the breath-taking views on all sides  the outside of the church feels austere - atmospheric and brooding. But the interior, lit by vibrant stained glass windows, is delightful with a homely charm all its own.