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The output of Chester-based architect John Douglas (1830–1911) included 40 new churches, as well as work on existing churches and church furniture. The majority of his works were in Cheshire and North Wales. His architectural styles were eclectic, but as he worked during the Gothic Revival period much of his output incorporates elements of the English Gothic style. His new churches (St Wenefrede's, Bickley pictured) date from the early 1860s until his death. They are in a range of materials including sandstone and red and other coloured brick; a few examples use half-timbering.

His church restorations were influenced by the Oxford Movement, which advocated a shift in emphasis from preaching to the sacrament of the Eucharist, and thus from the pulpit to the altar. Consequences of this included moving the pulpit from a more central position to the side of the church, replacing box pews with open pews, creating a central aisle to give a better view of the altar, and removing galleries; a larger chancel was also required for the associated ritual. One of the hallmarks of Douglas' designs is the attention to detail, especially in wooden articles, and his church furniture often incorporates highly detailed wood carving.

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