Saint Francis of Assisi abandoned a life of luxury for a life devoted to Christianity after reportedly hearing the voice of God, who commanded him to rebuild the Christian church and live in poverty. He is the patron saint for ecologists.

The foundation stone of St Francis’ church was laid in May 1893 by Bishop Edward Ilsley. The church was completed a year later and was opened by Cardinal Herbert Vaughan on 2 February 1894. When the debt from the cost of the building, £9000 was paid off five years later, the church was consecrated on 21 June 1900.

The church hosts 11 masses per week where everyone is welcome. There is also an adoration chapel next door to the church that can also be used for prayer.

The site of the old St Mary’s church is now occupied by St Francis Catholic Primary School. The school has a close relationship with the parish and the Sisters of Mercy next door who each have a representative on the school’s board of governors.

As well as, the Sisters of Mercy based in St Mary’s Convent next door to the Church, other Catholic religious orders also work in the parish. The Missionary Sisters of St. Columban, the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit, the Missionaries of Charity, and the Dominican Sisters of St Rose of Lima all help pastorally in the area with the congregation.