12/06/2026
⚽📸 **A Rare Glimpse of Highfield's Lost Iron Church**
We were recently sent this remarkable photograph showing **St Matthew's Juniors football team in 1920**, proudly posing outside Highfield's old Iron Church.
The Iron Church once stood on the corner of **Billinge Road and Foundry Lane**, beside Iona House, on the piece of land that remains vacant today. Many people pass the site without realising that it was once at the heart of community life in Highfield.
Built around 1867, the church served the rapidly growing population of miners and their families as Highfield expanded. Before the present St Matthew's Church was built, the Iron Church was where local people worshipped, children were educated, and community life revolved.
What makes this photograph particularly special is that it was taken in **1920**, almost 30 years after the current St Matthew's Church opened. It shows that the old Iron Church was still standing and being used long after its successor had been built.
Just imagine the stories behind this photograph.
These young men grew up in a very different Highfield. Around them were pit villages, terraced houses, steam trains, horse and carts, and the industries that helped shape our area. Yet despite all the changes over the last century, they stood on the same ground we know today.
Sadly, we don't know the names of the players, the coach, or the supporters pictured here.
Perhaps one of them was your grandfather, great-grandfather, great-uncle, or a relative you've heard stories about over the years.
Do you recognise a family resemblance? Have you heard of St Matthew's Juniors? Do you have any old photographs, newspaper cuttings, medals, or memories that might help us learn more?
This is exactly why preserving local history matters. Every photograph is a snapshot of a moment in time, and every person in this picture played a small part in the story of Highfield.
👇 We'd love to hear your thoughts, memories and family connections in the comments.
