[2] St Silas' was designed in 1878 by the Lancaster architects Paley and Austin, but building did not start until 1894.

[2] The architectural style is Gothic Revival, described in the National Heritage List as Perpendicular,[2] and by the authors of the Buildings of England series as Decorated.

In its middle stage are pairs of ogee-headed windows, clock faces, and a frieze of shields.

Above its moulded entrance arch is a statue of Saint Silas in a niche surmounted by a pinnacle.

[2] The appearance of the interior of the church is "one of spaciousness, nobility and grandeur imparted by the handling of the proportions".

The arcades consist of double-chamfered arches carried on square piers that are set diagonally.

The square pulpit also dates from 1896, it was made by Dent and Marshall from Runcorn stone, carved with blind tracery.

In addition there is a window designed by Henry Holiday towards the end of his career in 1921–23, which depicts Old Testament figures, including David and Gideon with angels.