It was designed by Edward Welby Pugin and is a shrine church of the Diocese of Lancaster within the Parish of St John XXIII, Preston.

It is near to Preston city centre and stands on the corner of the A6, between Aqueduct Street and St George's Road.

On 5 January 1715, it was recorded that sixteen rebels 'were hanged upon Gallows Hill, for high treason and conspiracy.

In 1864, Bishop Alexander Goss sent Fr James Taylor to a house called Wren's Cottage.

[4] As the chapel was only temporary and could fit 145 people, plans were drawn up to build a church that could accommodate a larger congregation.

[4] The new plans added two new bays to the nave and aisles, a new chancel, two transepts, chapels, two additional confessionals, sacristies, and a room for meetings.

[4] In 2012, the presbytery adjacent to the church became home to L'Arche a nearby charity that houses communities for those with learning disabilities.

[5] On 11 July 2017, the Bishop of Lancaster, Michael Campbell announced that the church would be entrusted to the care of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest.