| Location: |
Located in idyllic surroundings to the south of the village. |
| Description: |
A church was first established on this site in the aftermath of the Dissolution of the Monasteries when Cartmel Priory was dissolved as part of the Henrician Reformation and a Chapel was built on the present site using materials from Cartmel. The exact date is not known but the first documented mention was in 1618 when Henry Longman is recorded as curate and schoolmaster. In 1678 the church underwent its first restoration when more windows were added. A second restoration in 1793 saw the south aisle added together with the present tower. In 1841, an adjacent piece of land was purchased to form the churchyard. The two manual organ built by Wilkinsons of Kendal was added in 1862. The pulpit was installed in 1889 and retains its original style. Other gifts received at this time include the brass altar cross and two brass standard lamps which are still in use. A third restoration took place between 1896-7. The old pews were replaced by the present isttings - wooden pillars replaced the rubble pillars between the nave and the south aisle and the organ was moved to its present site. The church was re-opened by the Bishop of Carlisle on 29th May 1897 and dedicated to St Mary the Virgin. The substantial Lych gate was erected as a War Memorial in 1927. It was constructed of locally grown oak grown in the parish with a slate roof. After a donation of two and a half acres of land, the churchyard was extended in the early 1980s. The clock in the church tower was made by Smiths of London and came originally from Fell Foot and was installed in 1977. The present stone font, situated opposite the main door is thought to originate from the third restoration. It is made of sandstone, octagonal in shape with four green pillars and an octagonal oak cover. At some time, the original font (dated 1678) was taken to form a sundial on the rock south west of the church door. The church is built of local ragstone rubble with a slate roof and boasts a number of interesting stained glass windows. The churchyard contains numerous headstones. There are also some vaults, some of which are hewn in the rock. A number of yew trees decorate the churchyard. The parish joined the United Benefice of even Valley in 1976 and has enjoyed the supportive participation in events organised by all three parishes. |
| 1st Sunday: |
For all services see the website |
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