Turn left to face the north doors, and you will see the baptistry on your left. The ancient sandstone font, one of two here at Prescot, is of Saxon origin and is the oldest item in the church, although the base and steps are relatively modern.
In 1850 this font was loaned by us to St Bartholomew’s church in Roby, where it was until that church got its own font. Somehow it ended up in their churchyard, being utilised as a water trough for horses. In 1891 it was found by Canon Mitchell and was restored to Prescot church after his death by his daughters and rededicated in his memory. The oak lid was made in 1935 for the rededication.
As you leave the baptistry, turn right and continue along the north aisle. On your left is the full will of the Reverend Samuel Sewell, written on a white marble tablet.
At the top of the aisle, in the north transept, the finely carved Italian marble font, dated 1755, was gifted to the church by the Willis family. The actor and playwright John Philip Kemble was baptised in this font in 1757; he was born in Prescot whilst his parents were visiting the town with travelling theatre performers.