Cumbrian churches

Lancaster, Ripley Chapel of St Thomas

2012-01-15T20:25:00.001Z

Chapel of Ripley St Thomas School

Lancaster

Lancashire

This intriguing chapel can be found just South of the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, on Ashton Road. It's a particularly difficult building to photograph, due to the many buildings and trees around it....hence the lack of decent photos.

Above. The East end of the chapel.

Originally, the chapel belonged to Ripley Hospital, an orphanage, and was built to designs by Lancaster firm Paley and Austin in 1888. The orphanage was later converted to a school, the Ripley St Thomas school.

Above. The South face of the chapel.

It's a real shame that I couldn't get in to take some photos, as the English Heritage description of the interior is pretty interesting.

Lancaster, Centenary Church

2012-01-15T20:21:00.004Z

Centenary Church

Lancaster

Lancashire

Centerary Church can be found on Rosemary Lane in Lancaster city centre. The church was originally the Congregational Church, and was built in1879-81 to designs by J.C. Hetherington and G.D. Oliver of Carlisle.

Above. View of the church looking North along Rosemary Lane.

Above. View of the church looking South.

Centenary church was built to celebrate the 100th year of the Independent Chapel on High Street (now known as the Trinity United Reformed Church)

Penrith, The Giant's Thumb

2012-01-15T20:12:00.000Z

The Giant's Thumb

St Andrews church yard

Penrith

Cumbria

I can't believe that I missed this ancient cross on my previous visits....but here are photos of it at long last. Along with the Giant's grave, this cross can be found in the Northern part of the church yard.

Above. The East face of the cross.

The cross is very weather worn now, but a drawing dating to 1921, shows that the crucifixion scene was still visible carved into the cross shaft.

Above. The West face of the cross.

The cross has been dated to around AD920. It is a Saxon wheel cross, now missing the top two curved shoulders of the 'wheel'.

Penrith, St Catherine

2012-01-15T19:51:00.000Z

St Catherine

Penrith

Cumbria

This tiny chapel sits to the West of Christchurch, just of Drovers Lane.

At the moment I'm unable to find any information about it at all, but if anything comes to light, it will be posted here.

Penrith Methodist Chapel

2012-01-15T19:48:00.002Z

Penrith, Christ Church

2012-01-15T19:46:00.002Z

Christchurch
Penrith
Cumbria

Sandwiched between Drovers Lane and Stricklandgate in Penrith, this is a rather un-inspiring church made of typical Penrith red sandstone.

The church was built to plans by Travis and Magnell in 1850 and is listed as Grade II protected.

Above. The church yard wall with empty head stone insets.

Lancaster Baptist Church, Lancaster

2011-11-06T17:20:00.000Z

Baptist Church

Lancaster

Lancashire

Galgate Methodist Church, Galgate

2011-11-06T16:50:00.001Z

Methodist Church

Galgate

Lancashire

Emmanual Congragational Church, Carnforth

2011-11-06T16:46:00.001Z

Emmanual Congregational Church

Carnforth

Lancashire

Christ Church, Carnforth

2011-11-06T16:38:00.002Z

Christ Church

Carnforth

Lancashire

Built in 1875 to designs by Brade and Smales, this is a sadly uninspiring and dull church. The North aisle was added in 1900, with the tower being added 1908 to designs by W. Gilbee Scott.

Although the church is built of sandstone, it lacks the normal warmth of this building material....possibly due to the many years of steam train activity in this once bustling Lancashire town. Unfortunately the church was not open on my visit.

St John the Evangelist, Galgate

2011-11-05T20:55:00.008Z

St John the Evangelist

Galgate

Lancashire

Built in 1906\07 to designs by Austin and Paley of Lancaster, this church can be found on Chapel Lane leading out of Galget to the North. St Johns gives the impression of a much older church, and there is a small peice of evidence of an older structure built into the sill of one of the windows. I think this may represent a tiny piece of an older window. Some sources indicate that there may have been a church or chapel on or near the site from as early as the mid 1100s.

The buttressed tower was originally meant to have had a spire, but this was never built, leaving us with a squat by very solid looking church tower, and looks a little like Dolphinholme's church.

Above. The chancel.

Above. Looking into the spacious nave from the chancel.

Above. Possible remains of a medieval window.

Above. Window showing Moses, David and Isaiah.

This window depicts Moses, carrying the Ten Commandments, David (centre window) and Isaiah. The window is dedicated to George Satterthwaite, who died in 1922.

Above. A beautiful Shrigley and Hunt window.

Window dedicated to the memory of Ralph Bentley and dated 1952.

Above. Fiftieth anniversary window, dated 1957, showing Jesus (right) and Peter (?).

Above. Window showing Enoch, Abraham and Job.

The above three light window depicts Enoch, Abraham and Job, and is dedicated to the memory of Samuel Marshall Satterthwaite, died 1904.

Above. Two light window showing St Martin (left) and St John (right)

Above. Massive five light West window.

This fantastic window depicts St Peter (left), then St John, then Jesus (centre), then St James the Great and finally St Paul (right)

Above. Two light window showing St Margaret and St George.

Unfortunately I neglected to remove the flower arrangement from the window sill before I took this photograph so I'm unable to see much of the information regarding the dedication.

Above. Three light window showing Faith, Hope and Charity.

This window is dedicated to the memory of Emily Murial Storey, who died in 1911. The window was gifted by her husband, H.S. Storey and her children.

Above. Two light window showing St Columba and St Aiden.

This window was installed in memory of Mary Johnson, eldest daughter of James Johnson M.D. of Hampson, who died in 1929. Again....I neglected to clear the window sill beneath the window, so some valuable information is hidden behind junk left there!

Luckily for me, the church was open when I visited, so I was able to get some photos of the interior, especially of the mainly 20th century windows.

St Thomas, Lancaster

2011-11-05T20:20:00.001Z

St Thomas,

Lancaster,

Lancashire

St Thomas was built in 1840\41 to designs by Edmund Sharpe. The elegant spire at the rear of the church was added in 1852\53 and built to designs by the Sharpe and Paley company of Lancaster.

The church was established after disputes over the contents of services previously held at St Marys. Funding was by way of public subscription, with the church being consecrated in 1845.

Lancaster Cathedral Church of St Peter

2011-11-05T20:16:00.001Z

Lancaster Cathedral Church of St Peter,

Lancaster,

Lancashire

St Paul, Scotforth, Lancaster

2011-11-05T20:07:00.002Z

St Paul,

Scotforth,

Lancaster,

Lancashire

This is a beautiful church, dating from 1874 and built to designs by Edmund Sharpe. Further extensions and additions were made in 1891 to designs by Lancaster based architects Paley and Austin.

The most striking feature has to the the apse at the base of the hipped tower, with its terracotta detailing.

I would love to have been able to take some photos of the interior of this church but it was locked. I'll have to pay a visit another day. I must note here the strange attitude of the vicar of St Pauls. He approached me asking what I was doing, and told me to "get a life" when I told him that I collected churches. Nice to have some encouragement from the man in charge!

The vicarage, Warton, Lancashire

2011-07-17T16:41:00.002+01:00

The Vicarage

Warton

Lancashire

With one part of this building dating from 1824 and the other dating from around 1300, this is one of Warton's oldest buildings. Listed Grade I, it can be found between Main Street and the Rectory just opposite St Oswalds.

Above. The vicarage (right) and the Rectory (left)

The Rectory, only a few yards away, is from roughly the same period as the Vicarage. Both building were therefore likely built as the parts of the same complex of buildings, with the Vicarage being either an outbuilding, or specifically as accommodation for the Rectory.

Above. A surviving single light window in the 13th century portion of the building.

The window shown above, a cusped lancet window, probably dates from the 13th century.

Above. Another view of the 13th century portion of the Vicarage.

The portion of the building to the right with the four chimneys, is the 1824 addition to the Vicarage.

Here's a link to the St Oswald church website.

Weslyan\Methodist chapel, Newby

2011-07-17T16:30:00.002+01:00

Weslyan\Methodist chapel

Newby

North Yorkshire

Above. The tiny Weslyan chapel at Newby.

Stained Glass at St Alkelda's, Giggleswick

2011-04-30T17:31:00.003+01:00

Stained Glass at St Alkelda's church

Giggleswick

North Yorkshire

Above. Three light window showing the baby Jesus being presented with doves.

The window is dedicated to Ann Waring(?) and was erected by Mary and Ellen in 1891.

Above. Another three light window, this time showing Jesus in a number of guises.

The left window shows Jesus the Shepherd. The middle window shows Jesus the preacher\teacher. The right hand window shows his followers looking for him after he has been taken down from the crucifix.

Above. Window with the quote "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not"

This beautiful window has the following memorial at its base. "To the glory of the ever blessed trinity and in loving memory of John who died April 9th 1893 and of Sarah who died April 20th 1878 eldest son and youngest daughter of the late Christopher John and Frances Anne Geldard of Cappleside." In tiny writing to the right of the dedication, the following can just be made out "An offering from their Aunt Sarah Openshaw."

Above. Five light window showing Rest (far left) St Alkeld, Jesus, St James and Peace (far right)

There are two distinct family coat of arms in the windows beneath the angels Rest and Peace...though as yet, I've not been able to identify them.

Above. Three light window, most likely entitled I am the light of the world.

Above. The Altar window.

Unfortunately, this is slightly over exposed, and also the bottom of the window is obscured by the beautiful altar screen, so I'm unable to see who was responsible for this window, or to whom it was dedicated.

Above. Another very colourful three light window.

Above. Three light window with the quote "To do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy god."

Above. Three light window with the quote "Look unto me and ye be saved."

This window is dedicated to the loving memory of Anne Hatten (?) died 5th of May 1900, and dedicated by her husband and son.

As more information is found about these windows, it will be posted here.

There are brief details and a little history relating to the church here.

St Peter, Stainforth

2011-04-30T17:22:00.001+01:00

St Peter

Stainforth

North Yorkshire

St Columba's Free Church, Edinburgh

2011-04-30T17:07:00.002+01:00

St Columba's Free Church

Edinburgh

I've finally managed to identify this rather dark and gothic looking church as St Columba's Free church. You can find it at the junctions of Upper Bow, Johnston Terrace and Castlehill, a few hundred yards to the East of Edinburgh Castle.

The Scottish Church Heritage Research website states that this building was built sometime around 1700......but apart from that, there seems to be scant information regarding this building at the moment.

Here's their official website

St Thomas, Garstang

2011-04-27T19:28:00.004+01:00

St Thomas

Garstang

Lancashire

Above. View of the main door under the tower.

Above. Memorial plate to George Lawden Boys Stones, my Great Grandfather's brother.

Above. First World War memorial with George Lawden Boystones' name on again.

Above. Memorial to the Reverend George Boystones....vicar and dean of Garstang.

Above. Small brass memorial on the organ...dedicated by my Great, Great, Great Grandmother Martha Stones.

Above. George Boystones' obituary.

Above. Newspaper cutting detailing comments made by the Bishop of Manchester about George's death.

Above. The Reverend George Boystones...Vicar, Dean and all round Humanitarian gentleman.

Above. Newspaper cutting detailing the will of George Boystones.

Check the church's official website.

St Ninian's Priory, Whithorn

2011-04-10T21:51:00.002+01:00

St Ninian's Priory

Whithorn

Dumfries and Galloway

Free Church, Kirkcudbright

2011-04-03T19:40:00.002+01:00

Free Church

Kirkcudbright

Dumfries and Galloway

Kirkcudbright Parish Church, Kirkcudbright

2011-04-03T19:36:00.000+01:00

Kirkcudbright Parish Church

Kirkcudbright

Dumfries and Galloway

St Ninian's Chapel, Isle of Whithorn

2011-04-03T19:28:00.002+01:00

St Ninian's Chapel

Isle of Whithorn

Dumfries and Galloway

Above.View of the chapel looking North East into Wigtown Bay.

Above. View of the chapel with remains of the precinct wall.

Above. Draw-bar-slot in the door jamb.

Above. The inside of the chapel.

Twynholm Parish Church, Twynholm

2011-03-26T17:18:00.002Z

Parish Church

Twynholm

Near Kirkcudbright

Dumfries and Galloway

Twynholm (the home of the Coulthard family) lies about three miles North West of the town of Kirkcudbright. The small parish church sits at the Southern end of the village, a few yards away from the remains of the town motte and bailey castle.

Built in 1818, it replaced an earlier church of which nothing now remains.

The old market cross, Wigtown

2011-03-26T17:06:00.002Z

The old Market Cross

Wigtown

Dumfries and Galloway

Wigtown lies about six miles South of Newton Stewart in the South West corner of Scotland. The small town is often referred to as the Gateway to the Machars, and is a welcome stopping off point of you're driving out towards the Isle of Whithorn and Port William a few miles to the South West.

The Old Market Cross can be found in the middle of a grassed area that is bounded by Main Street and the A714. It most likely dates from the middle of the 18th century, and stands to around ten feet high with a squared head with the markings for a sun dial on each face. It was significantly repaired in the 19th century, and suffered further damage in 1991. The cross was originally sited in front of the old court house, but was moved during the 19th century. It was, for a short while, housed in the town's jail, before being returned outside and put on view.

St Mary, Kirkby Lonsdale

2011-01-16T19:34:00.004Z

St Mary Virgin,
Kirkby Lonsdale
Cumbria

The church of St Mary in Kirkby Lonsdale is a mixture of 11th to 18th century building, extension and renovation. It is however, not the first church to exist on this site near the river. It’s mentioned in the Domesday book that a small Saxon church stood on the site of the old Middleton Chapel (in the North East of the current building) and in 1093, documents mention that Ivo de Taillebois, first Baron of Kendal, gave the church at Cherkeby Lonnesdale and lands joined to it, to the Abbey of St Mary in York. It’s also most likely that around this time, the church stood in the bailey of the castle that now stands ruined and partially destroyed just off Ruskin’s brow.

As is the case with many Norman Motte and Bailey castles, the manorial chapel would have been an integral part of the manor, defended by wooden palisades and earthen ditches and ramparts.

Above. View of the tower from the chancel.

These days, the church is an architectural gem, with aspects of its 900 year history tucked away in nooks and crannies, just waiting to be found. Here are documented a few of these gems, although this isn’t an exhaustive list….I’ll need to return to collect more photos.

Above. The organ in what was the Middleton Chapel.

The right to approve and appoint the vicars of Kirkby Lonsdale’s church belonged to the Abbey of St Mary’s in York from 1093, right up until the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII. It is for this reason that documentary evidence exists of vicars appointed to the church in an almost unbroken run from 1245 to the present day. The only break in this record is the 10 year period of the Commonwealth under Oliver and Richard Cromwell.

Above. Looking into the nave.

The oldest parts of the church are Norman, late 11th or early 12th century. The remains of the church of this period are located just inside the door. The three arches and pillars on the Northern side of the Nave are instantly recognisable as different from their neighbours. These pillars were probably built around 1130, and are said to be almost identical to those in Durham Cathedral. It is thought likely that the obvious difference between the ornate 11th\12th century pillars and the blander ones is down to a lack of funds when the church was being transformed. This period probably saw a halt in the building work while funds were gathered to finish the building.

Above. Norman pillars in the nave.

What remains of this extravagant piece of building, are octagonal bases supporting round pillars decorated with a diagonal hatching from top to bottom. Each pillar is topped with decorated headings with horses, green men, centaurs (half man half horse), vines and leaves….and I think there may even be a lion in there too!!!

Above. Kirkby Lonsdale's very own Green Man.

Above. Close up of the carvings on one of the capitals, showing a centaur type creature.

The South and the North walls of the church tower are of the 12th century, although it has undergone much rebuilding and renovation, the most recent work being done in 1705. Looking at the stone work on the exterior of the tower, it's plain to see that the first two storeys are probably Norman, or at least of a much earlier build, whilst the upper two storeys are of the later 18th century build.

Above. The Norman door in the tower.

The outer door of the tower is believed to be a Norman remanent of the original church. The door has saltire crosses, archers and a dragon carved into the soft sandstone. The door has had its share of renovation however, and appears now to be a mixture of early Norman work and some later stone replacements.

Above. The reset Priest's doorway in the South wall.

An additional door can be found in the South wall of the church. The Priests door is smaller than the Norman door in the tower, but is of the same period....around the 12th century. It's not in its original position, being seated in a mainly 14th century wall.

Above. The draw bar slot in the South door.

The Nave was restored in 1866, when an organ gallery that previously extended from the inner tower wall towards about the third of the Norman pillars. This renovation work opened the West side of the church up, exposing the Norman pillars fully. During this period of renovation and restoration, a charred wooden beam was found embedded into the wall. Charring was also noticed on a number of stones from this wall. This fire damage probably suggests that the church at Kirkby Lonsdale was accidentally damaged in a fire, although local legend states that the church was sacked by the Scottish army after their victory at Bannockburn in 1314. The Scots may have sacked many villages and their churches in the area as they raided huge areas of English territory in Craven, Lunesdale, including damaging and destroying property and churches in Clapham and Bentham, but there are scant records of these damaging incursions. The 14th century walling at the site of the main door in the South wall, contains a huge draw bar slot.

Above. Much shallower draw bar slot in the opposing door jamb.

It is perhaps a full 12 inches deep on the West side, and perhaps up to 3 feet deep on the East side.

Above. Shallow draw bar slot in the doorway of the tower.

The date of the wall in which this feature can be found, coincides with the period that the borders, and indeed areas as far away from the borders such as Kirkby Lonsdale, were reputedly in danger from Scottish raids. Checking the interior of the tower, I also found draw bar slots on the inside of the re-set Norman doorway.

Above. The draw bar slot in the opposing door jamb.

The draw slots here weren't as deep as the those on the door inside the porch. This could perhaps indicate that the original door into the tower was much more substantial than the door at the porch.

Briggflatts Meeting House, Near Sedbergh

2010-12-21T19:01:00.001Z

Briggflatts Meeting House

Near Sedbergh

Cumbria

Yealand Quaker's Meeting House, Yealand

2010-12-21T18:16:00.003Z

Yealand Meeting House

Yealand

Lancashire

The Meeting house in Yealand is situated on the East side of Yealand Road, set back in the trees at the far end of the burial ground. Built in 1692, when the rules of dissenting worshipping were relaxed (you had to register to worship outside of the Church of England) the Meeting house has seen few changes over the years. There were some small scale extension works in 1777, when the two sash windows were inserted into the South wall....otherwise the building is pretty much as it would have been in the late 17th century. This is regarded as an exceptional example of an early Quaker\Friend's Meeting house.

Above. The porch with the date 1692 carved in the arch.

The burial ground is unusual for an early Meeting house in that it contains dozens of headstones, many with reoccurring family names.

Above. Looking into the burial ground with the Meeting house at the end of the path.

Above. Inside the Meeting house.

Above. Inside the Meeting house.

Check out the Yealand Quaker's website for more information.

Check this link for a list of family names to be found in the burial ground.

My thanks to Jim Jarvis for opening the Meeting house for me to photograph, and for spending time sharing his thoughts and knowledge....it's very much appreciated!

Stained glass at St Oswald, Warton

2010-12-16T09:49:00.007Z

Stained glass at St Oswald

Warton

Lancashire

St Oswalds has a fine collection of stained glass. I think I have most of the windows here, though there is definitely one missing (from the vestry) and one or two are at odd angles and were therefore difficult to photograph.

Above. Window showing Jesus sitting at a well.

The inscription at the base of the window reads, "In memory of Edmund Lawson ##### House, who died June 10th 1899 aged 62. Also of Jane Lawson who died September 16th 1860 aged 91 years." There is a scroll above the inscription, but as the photo is of a relatively poor quality it's impossible to read it. Notice the castle in the left hand pane....the gatehouse looks strikingly similar to that at Lancaster Castle! This window was created by local glazier F. Burrow of Milnthorpe. Burrow apparently learned his trade in London, later working at Salisbury Cathedral before moving to Milnthorpe and creating several windows for churches in the region. It shows Jesus talking to a woman of Samaria at a well.

Above. A beautifully detailed window showing Jesus preaching.

The inscription in this window reads "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest". The details in this window are fantastic and have survived remarkably well.

Above. Stained glass set in one of the older windows in the church.

This window was created "In memory of Frances Mary Berkeley who died at Mentone March 4th 1887 aged 72 years". I think Mentone is a suburb of Melbourne in Australia. There are scrolls in each of the panes, with Latin inscriptions. The left hand pane reads "Behold the lamb of god" whilst the right hand pane reads "Behold the handmaid of the lord". The window is by Powell of Leeds and dates from 1872. It shows John the Baptist and the Virgin Mary.

Above. Beautifully coloured three light window.

This window shows three saints, as yet unidentified. The inscription at the foot of the window reads "To the memory of Mary the wife of the Reverend Thomas Dean Vicar of this parish. Born Nov 24 1797. Married May 10 1821 Died Sept 10 1862." The window shows depictions of Faith (left) , Hope (right) and Charity (centre), and is by Henry Hughes.

Above. Jesus 'breaking bread'.

A host of angels hold aloft a scroll with the words "He took bread and blessed and brake and gave to them." At the foot of the window, another inscription reads "Do more with wearn(?) steps. Roam Earth's wilderness. Gone home, Gone home." I have no idea what this means....it almost seems incomplete, as does the first inscription. This window represents the meal at Emmaus after Christ's resurrection, and dates from 1895. It is by Ward and Hughes.

Above. The massive and colourful East window.

The window shows Christ in the centre pane, with the gospel writers surrounding him; Matthew (far left) then Mark, then Luke and finally John (far right) At the top of the window, the two centre figures represent Moses with the tablets (left) and Aaron (right) The four figures to the left of Moses represent the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel (left to right) and the four figures to the right of Aaron represent four kings, David, Solomon, Rehoboam and Josiah (left to right)

The white rose of Lancashire is also represented in this window. The inscription along the bottom of the window reads "In memory of John Bolden of Hyning and Mary his wife. By their children MDCCCLVI" This window is full of religious symbols. There is a pelican, symbol of the passion of Jesus or of self sacrifice, a gryphon, symbol of divine power, a pheonix, symbol of rebirth or resurrection, and, right at the top of the window, the Rod of Asclepius, a symbol commonly used by the medical profession and symbolising healing and medicine. It can also represent the thirteenth sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. This window dates from 1856 and is most likely by Henry Hughes (check this link for some of his windows in other churches.) Here is some additional information on Henry Hughes.

Above. A window that could probably be entitled The Good Shepherd.

The centre pane of this window shows Jesus as 'the good shepherd'. The left hand pane shows Jesus with a small child, and a scroll reads "Despise not one of these little ones". The centre pane shows Jesus as the shepherd, with a scroll beneath that reads "He shall gather the lambs with his arms". The right hand pane shows Jesus with what looks like a family, with a scroll beneath that reads "Of such is the kingdom of god". There is quite a long dedication at the foot of the window, which reads "To the glory of god and in affectionate memory of Emily Mary aged seven years, John Archibold Bolden aged three years George Augustus aged four months, children of the Reverend George Thomas and Frances Mary Berkeley, Xmas 1861". It appears that all three children died at Christmas that year. This is another Henry Hughes window.

Above. Stained glass in another of the older windows.

This three light window has the following inscription in a scroll along the bottom. "She stretcheth out her hand to the poor yea she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Proverbs, chapter 31:20 verse". This is a Henry Hughes window.

Above. An incredibly brightly coloured two light window.

At the top of this window, and angel holds a scroll with the words "In thee O lord do I put my trust". The window is very busy, with vines and grapes of all sorts of colours. A scroll in the left hand panes reads "Blessed are the dead which die in the lord. Rev Chap 14 Ver 13." The right hand pane's scroll reads "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the lite. John Chap 11 Ver 23." The dedication at the foot of the window reads "In memory of Mary Walling widow of Richard Salisbury Esq Obit Aug 1822 AET 73 Two of her children & grand children this window is placed by her surviving grandchildren 1862". This is another Henry Hughes window.

Above. Two light window.

The left hand pane bears a scroll with the words "And the womans(?) names was Mary." The left hand pane bears a scroll with the words "Timothy, my dearly beloved son". The window is dedicated as follows "In memory of Bessy Barton who died at Warton Hall May(?) 25th 1871 aged 7 years and of William B. Barton who died at Warton Grange ### 14th 1883 aged 18 years". This window is by the Lancaster firm Shrigley and Hunt. The window shows the Virgin Mary being taught by her mother Anna (left) and Timothy being taught by his mother Lois (right)

Above. Two light window.

There are two inscriptions at the foot of this window. The first reads "I ascend to my father and your father: Matthew Chap 25 8". The bottom one reads "Her children arise up and call her blessed. Her husband also and he praiseth her". The window depicts Christ appearing to Mary Magdalene after his crucifixion (left hand pane) and the parable of the of the wise and foolish virgins (right hand pane) This window is by Henry Hughes.

Above. Three light window.

The simple inscription within a scroll at the foot of the window reads "Gods finger touched her and she #####"

Above. The crucifixion with the two Marys.

The inscription at the foot of the window reads "Woman behold thy son then saith he to the disciples behold thy mother".

Information on these windows taken from Saint Oswald's Church, a guide for the visitor by R.J. Norman and Arthur Penn.

St Edmund, Newbiggin

2010-12-06T18:26:00.003Z

St Edmund

Newbiggin

Cumbria

Above. St Edmunds with Newbiggin hall in the background.

Above. The West end of the church.

Above. Looking down the nave towards the East end of the church.

Above. Surviving box pews.

Above. Recess in the wall, for a tomb or effigy.

Above. Contemporary glass.

Above. Some of small stained glass here at St Edmunds.

Above. Some 14th and 15th century glass survives in this window.

Holy Trinity, Holme

2010-12-06T16:31:00.003Z

Holy Trinity

Holme

Cumbria

The Sepluchre, Near Endmoor

2010-12-06T15:52:00.004Z

The Sepluchre, Quaker burial ground

Near Endmoor

Cumbria

This small and forgotten Quaker burial ground can be found about a mile North of Endmoor, just off the A65. There is a handy lay by just beyond the footpath, Sepluchre Lane, that leads into the trees heading East. A five minute walk will bring you to this hidden gem on your left as you leave the tree cover and head out into the fields.

Above. Looking towards the burial ground from the West.

The burial ground was probably established sometime before 1694, when the first Quaker Meeting house at Preston Patrick was built. Pastscape dates it to around 1651. There certainly wouldn't have been much room in this tiny space for many burials, and it was soon superceded by the new Meeting house's burial ground which was established in 1694.

Above. The burial ground from the adjacent field.

Above. Looking West from within the burial ground.

Above. Looking North from within the burial ground.

There are only two surviving headstones here now, and both are very badly damaged. The first one, shown below, is made of slate, and only about a third of it survives today.

Above. The first of the two badly damaged headstones.

The second is a more substantial item, probably made of sand stone, and again, very badly damaged. One of these two stones apparently commemorates Anne, daughter to Isaac Cartmell who died in the early 1700's.

Above. The second of the headstones.

The burial site is freely accessible, though to gain access without climbing over the field walls, make sure you enter the field through the gate on your left before you leave the tree cover. The burial ground is then accessible through a gap in the West wall.

Church yard cross, Cartmel Priory

2010-12-06T15:34:00.002Z

Church yard cross

Cartmel Priory

Cartmel

Cumbria

Situated just South of the priory, this church yard cross probably dates from somewhere between the 14th and 16th centuries.

The base consists of two pieces of carved sandstone, whilst the shaft is octagonal, missing its head, and stands to just over three feet tall.

Methodist (?) chapel, Auswick

2010-12-06T15:03:00.002Z

Methodist Chapel, now called the Chapel on the Green

Auswick

North Yorkshire

I've not been able to find any information about this converted chapel in Auswick. I'm pretty sure that it was once a Methodist\Wesleyan Chapel, but it's now no longer used for services.

Above. The chapel, now a house, from across the road.

Above. One of two memorial stones, either side of the door at the front of the chapel.

The memorial stone is inscribed as follows "Laid by Mr. J. Lord of Settle......." The rest of the inscription is too weathered to read and there unfortunately doesn't appear to be any indications as to when this stone was laid so I'm unable to date the chapel.

St John the Evangelist, Langcliffe

2010-12-06T10:25:00.003Z

St John the Evangelist

Langcliffe

North Yorkshire

Above. The three light East window.

This window shows some of the main events in Jesus' life. The left pane shows the 'Adoration of the Magi' with a dove, it's wings spread and looking down on the characters, at the top of the pane. The middle pane shows the 'Crucifxion', specifically, the body of Jesus being removed from the cross. At the top of the window a pelican can be seen, a Christian symbol said to represent personal sacrifice. The right hand pane shows the 'Ascension', with the agnus dei, or the lamb of god at the top of the window. I've not been able to find a date or the name of the designer for this window yet.

Above. Window depicting Saint Mary (left pane) and her son, St John (right pane)

This window can be found on the South side of the sanctuary, and shows St John and his mother, St Mary. The small cinquefoil above the window originally showed Jesus on the cross, but has been damaged and is now virtually blank. The window is attributed to Lavers, Barrat and Westlake of London, and was probably made in 1869. There is a plaque on the ledge beneath the window, with the inscription "To the glory of god and in memory of Mary Elizabeth Christie who died in faith May 14 1868 aged 37 years".

Above. Window showing an angel appearing at Jesus' tomb.

This single light window can be found at the North side of the sanctuary, and shows an angel appearing at the tomb of Jesus, telling his followers "He is not here. He has risen." There is a small plaque on the ledge beneath the window, which reads, in Latin "In memoriam Maria Burrows, Stackhouse, obit 4 Sept 1872 aetat 26".

Above. Window showing Jesus healing the daughter of Jairus.

This beautifully coloured window can be found on the South side of the sanctuary, and shows Jesus healing the daughter of Jairus. The text at the bottom of the window reads "The maid is not dead but sleepeth". The window probably dates from sometime after 1869, as it is dedicated as follows "To the glory of god and in memory of Mary Elizabeth Christie, who died in faith July 16 1869 aged 16 years."

Above. Window dedicated to the Robinson family of Skipton.

This two light window can be found in the South wall of the nave. It was created in memory of the Robinson family from Skipton, and was made by Powell of London. The dedication reads "The word was made flesh and dwelt among us." There are three plaques on the wall below the window. The left most plaque reads "Mary Kathleen Phillimore only daughter of George Robinson of Overdale, Skipton-in-Craven, and wife of Commander VEP Phillimore DSO RN. Born 3 Nov 1875, Died 23 March 1909."

The middle plaque reads "To the glory of god and in loving memory of Mary Kathleen Phillimore and Francis Betram Robinson this window is dedicated by their surviving brothers."

The right hand plaque reads " Francis Betram Robinson Third son of George Robinson of Overdale Skipton-in-Craven. Born 13 March 1890. Died at the harbour works at Para, Brazil 28 September 1910."

Above. Window showing Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene.

This single light window can be found in the North wall, and shows Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene after his resurrection. It was made by Powell of London in 1914, and bears the following inscription "To the glory of god and in memory of Travers McIntire, vicar of this parish from 1864 to 1879, died 5th September 1912. Also of his wife, Sarah Anne died 24th June 1913."

Link to the Langcliffe village website.

Langcliffe Methodist Chapel and school

2010-12-06T09:51:00.004Z

Methodist\Wesleyan chapel and Sunday School

Langcliffe

North Yorkshire

The small (but perfectly formed) village of Langcliffe lies half a mile to the North of Settle in North Yorkshire. The old part of the village is built around a large green, with the church to the East and the Methodist chapel and the old Wesleyan Sunday School to the South.

Above. The Methodist Chapel (left) and the Wesleyan Sunday School (right)

The chapel was built in 1903, as an extension to the building next door (built in 1852) which was put to the use of Sunday School. It seems that the Methodist congregation diminished to such an extent, that in 2001 the chapel and school were closed and converted to private housing. Luckily for us though, the external features marking this building out as a chapel, ie, the long case windows in the East wall, and the wine glass shaped cupola, have all been retained.

Check the link out for some interesting memories and comments from Langcliffe's Methodists today!

Market Cross, Giggleswick

2010-12-01T20:12:00.002Z

Market Cross

Giggleswick

North Yorkshire

This is a near complete market cross, situated on Church Street just beyond the Lych gate of St Alkelda's church.

The base probably dates from sometime in the 14th century, whilst the shaft and cross are probably from a slightly later date.

The base and the shaft and cross were moved to this site in 1840.

Cowan Bridge Methodist Chapel

2010-12-01T19:57:00.003Z

Methodist Chapel

Cowan Bridge

Lancashire

The Methodist Chapel at Cowan Bridge can be found at the side of the A65. It is similar in form to many of the Cumbrian Methodist Chapels, except that it has a small extension (to the left) unlike its counterparts.

Clapham market cross

2010-12-01T19:46:00.002Z

Market cross

Clapham

North Yorkshire

Clapham's restored market cross can be found right on the river side on Church Avenue. The cross was restored in 1897 when the shaft and cross were added. The base dates from the 14th century and consists of three grit stone steps.

Burton in Kendal Market Cross

2010-12-01T19:30:00.003Z

Market Cross

Burton in Kendal

Cumbria

The market cross can be found just off Main Street. It consists of a three stepped octagonal lime stone base, with a moulded squared base topped with a tapered shaft.

Above. View of the market cross from across Main Street.

Above. Close up view of the octagonal base.

The whole monument dates from sometime in the 18th century, and may well have replaced a much earlier cross erected after King Charles II granted Burton in Kendal its market charter in 1661.

Above. Close up view of the indentations in the second step of the base.

It is thought that the indentations in the limes stone steps, shown above, may have been where leg irons would have been attached to the cross base. These would have been used as an alternative to the village stocks.

St Mark, Nether Kellet

2010-11-19T20:56:00.002Z

St Mark

Nether Kellet

Lancashire

Above. St Marks from the shadows of Main Road.

Above. St Mark's from the tiny church yard.

Congregational Church, Nether Kellet

2010-11-19T20:45:00.003Z

Congregational Church

Nether Kellet

Lancashire

Above. The church, hidden behind the trees from Main Road.

Above. In the shadows of the trees.

Above. The rear of the church.

St Bartholomew, Barbon

2010-11-12T19:02:00.005Z

St Bartholomew

Barbon

Cumbria

Above. A view of the church from the East.

Above. A view of the church from the West. Note the sundial in the foreground on the left.

Above. The tower with its stair turret built into the South East corner.

Above. The porch in the South wall of the church.

Above. Statue of St Bartholomew in the porch wall.

Above. The lych gate at the South of the church yard.

Above. Looking from the chancel into the nave.

Above. The unlit chancel.

Above. Looking into the chancel through the rood screen.

Above. Looking into the chancel from the nave.

Above. Royal arms on the church wall.

Judging by the date at the bottom of the arms, 1815, these would be the arms of King George III.

Above. Window showing St Elizabeth and St Hilda.

The dedication reads "In loving memory of Elizabeth Agnes Wilding, niece of the Reverend James Harrison. This window is dedicated by her children, A.D. 1933."

Above. Window showing the virgin Mary (right) hilding the infant Jesus.

This photo is, unfortunately, a little over exposed and was taken on my older camera. It's therefore very difficult to make out the dedication. What I can see, is that it was in memory of James Harrison (priest), died January 1922(?) aged 69 years old. The dedication in the right hand window doesn't have enough detail to enable me to zoom in and read it.

Above. This window seems to depict a priest.

As this slightly over exposed photo seems to show a window depicting a priest, and it is dedicated to James Harrison again, am I right in thinking that this is an image of him (James Harrison)?

Above. Another window memorialising a member of the Harrison family.

This window bears a dedication to Margaret Harrison, died 1876 and also Mary Harrison, died 1877.

Above. Window showing St George (left) and unidentified saint(right)

Unfortunately due to the lower resolution of my old camera, I'm unable to make out the dedication at the foot of the window.

Above. The magnificent three light East Window.

The centre pane shows Jesus carrying a lamb (the lamb of god?) with a host of angels in the left and right hand panes. The dedication is to Sir Louisa, daughter(?) of Sir Woodbine Parish, and also to Blanche M. Kay Shuttleworth(?)

St Saviour, Aughton

2010-11-12T17:22:00.004Z

St Saviour

Aughton

Near Lancaster

Lancashire

Situated in the parish of Halton with Aughton, some three and a half miles from Hornby, the church here at Aughton can be seen from miles around, perched high above the North banks of the River Lune.

It is thought that there has been a chapel here since about 1554, and a building is mentioned in documents dating from 1650. It was partially rebuilt with money donated by Robert Burton in 1697, and then rebuilt again in 1716. At this time it was dedicated to St George and had an annual income of around £24.

Above. A view of the church from across the river at Claughton.

In 1864 it was again rebuilt, and rededicated to St Saviour. The list of vicars that served at St Saviour (or St George as it was) reads as follows:

1720 - John Hadwen

1740 - Joseph Nicholson

1793 - Jacob Fletcher

1808 - Thomas Winfield

1815 - John Farrer

1817 - John Morland

1856 - Thomas Proctor Rigby

Unfortunately this small chapel was not open on my visit so I was unable to obtain any photos of the interior.

St Mary, Windermere

2010-11-12T09:50:00.005Z

St Mary

Windermere

Cumbria

Above. The East end of the church from the A591.

Above. The East end of the church.

Above. The East end of the church from the footpath.

Above. The rear of the church (the South) from the church yard.

Above. Looking into the chancel and towards the five light East window.

Above. The wording above the arch between the nave and the chancel.

Above. Looking from the nave towards the West end of the church.

Above. Window showing two angels, with the words "Rejoicing in hope, Patient in tribulation".

Above. The huge East window.

The massive East window is by Burlison and Grylls, and shows the Sermon on the Mount. Check the link for more examples of Burlison and Grylls work.

Above. Window showing the three kings presenting their gifts to Jesus. Dedicated to George Rennison Minnikin, 1869 to 1958.

Above. Window dedicated to William Harrison, who died on the 29th of August 1899(?), given to the church by his children.

Above. The West window. Dedicated to St Mary.

The left hand two panes show the Virgin Mary, to whom the church is dedicated, being spoken to by an angel. The wording at the top of the window reads "Hail thou that art highly favoured. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women." Note the white rose of Yorkshire at the top of the far left and far right hand windows.

The right hand two panes, show the Virgin Mary speaking to St Elizabeth....unfortunately the wording is over exposed and is mostly unreadable.

There are several dedications at the foot of this window:

The far left hand pane displays the coat of arms of Henry Crewdson Broadrick. The second pane (from the left) has the dedication "In loving memory of Frances Mary Broadrick and of her brother George Crewdson, vicar of this parish 1893-1910. These windows were placed here by her son Henry Crewdson Broadrick, 1956"

The next window has the following dedication "Henry Crewdson Broadrick, who gave these windows, died at Highfield, Windermere, December 1950 ***** respected and loved. He was born at High Wray, 18th of December 1874."

The far right pane has the following dedication "These windows replace former windows in memory of Jane Yates 1806-1862. Late of The Wood Windermere, a benefactress of this parish."

St Mary's web site.

Market Cross, Austwick

2010-11-02T18:55:00.005Z

Market Cross

Austwick

Near Settle

North Yorkshire

Austwick lies just off the A65 North West of Settle. The medieval market cross can be found on a small grassed area at the junction of Main Street and Graystonber Lane.

Above. The church of the Epiphany provides the cross with a handsome backdrop.

It is thought that the three step plinth and the stone with the square cut socket may date from the 15th century. The shaft with the ball finial dates from sometime in the 1830's.

The shaft and the ball finial are very similar to those at Kirkby Lonsdale and Milnthorpe.

Eldroth Church, Eldroth

2010-11-02T17:59:00.007Z

Eldroth Church

Eldroth

Near Settle

North Yorkshire

The tiny church at Eldroth can be found about two miles West of Settle, and about a mile and a half South of Austwick. As a place or a village, Eldroth is really just a collection of houses spread along Eldroth Road, with the tiny church sitting at the junction with School Lane. Bizarrely it doesn't seem to be listed....at least I've not been able to find it in the lists anywhere.

Above. The un-dedicated church at Eldroth.

All I can find out about the history of this beautiful little church, is that it was originally built as a chapel and a school (hence the nearby School Lane) sometime around 1627. It remained in use as a school up until around 1840.

Above. The bell-cote with its supporting buttress.

Above. Looking towards the West end of the chapel.

Above. The fire place in the North wall.

The fire place, fairly unusual in a church or a chapel, probably harks back to the days it was used as school house and the school master's house . It's a nice feature that has been retained from the church's early days.

Above. The tiny font at the West end of the church.

Above. Looking towards the East end of the church.

Above. The beautiful leaded window in the East wall.

The school master also lived in the church whilst it was used as the school, but with the building of the house next door, the school and the school master were able to move out of the church and into the new buildings.

The church was restored in 1861, and from then on was used exclusively for religious services.

St Margaret's collection of stone carvings, Hornby

2010-10-26T16:35:00.005+01:00

St Margaret's collection of stone carvings

Hornby

Lancashire

Just inside the door of St Margaret's, the church's collection of stone carvings is laid out on display. Here you will find an array of grave slabs and some intriguing pre-Norman cross fragments. Just outside the church, on the South side, a huge 'lump' of faintly carved stone can be found. This looks like it is probably all that remains of a huge stone cross bas. It stands about four feet tall, is slightly tapers towards the top, and has a rectangular opening in the top, possibly once used for housing the shaft of a cross.

Above. The top of the cross base.

I was told by an attendant at the church, that one of the cross fragments just inside the door of the church , is thought to have been mounted in this huge carved base. I'm not sure how this suggestion was arrived at, as there really doesn't seem to be any connection between the two items.

Above. The four foot cross base.

This stone artifact has obviously suffered from the weather. The patterns carved on its surfaces are very faint. Each of the four faces looks as though it has a pillar carved into its surface at each corner, with an arch at the top. You can just about make this pattern out on the photo shown above.

Above. The angel now 'living' in the chancel.

It is thought that the angel shown above, dates from the 16th century. It is carved from grit stone, and does not seem to match any other part of the church. This perhaps suggests that it was brought here from somewhere else, possibly Hornby Priory, which lies about a mile and a half to the North West of the village.

Above. One of the grave slabs.

This is a simple grave slab, probably broken in half at the bottom. It bears a simple cross on its surface.

Above. Another grave slab.

This grave slab is more intricately carved than the first. It has interlocking circular patterns carved on its surface, with two fainter wheel designs at the bottom. Again, this slab looks as if it's been broken in half, this time at the top.

Above. One of the two Anglican (9th century?) cross fragments.

This fragment of stone most likely represents the top arm of an Anglican cross.

Above. The second, more decorated cross fragment.

This fragment of stone is most likely linked with the cross base outside the church. It is thought to date from sometime around the 9th century, and has the story of the loaves and fishes carved on its front face. You can clearly see two fish at the bottom, with five round features, probably representing loaves of bread above them.

Above. Another of the church's medieval grave slabs.

This grave slab has had its top few inches broken off. It would most likely have had a cross carved on its face. There is a seven stepped base carved at the bottom, with the shaft also clearly visible, but the two arms worn away or missing.

Above. A roughly carved grave slab.

Of the five carved grave slabs, this is probably the most rudimentary of them all. The designs are still visible, but are very roughly carved. There is a small cross at the bottom of the slab, with a long handled sword to the right, and a shorter bladed knife or dagger to the left.

Above. A very carefully carved grave slab.

Judging by the quality of this slab, I would say that it has been in side the church for some time. The design carved on its face is still very clear and does not seem to bear any weather wear at all. A the top and to the left of this slab, a chalice can still be seen. It looks as if this stone is actually presented up side down....not that I'm being picky or anything!

St Margaret, Hornby, Interior photos

2010-10-26T16:25:00.004+01:00

Interior photos of St Margaret's Church

Hornby

Lancashire

Above. A panoramic view into the chancel.

Above. A close up of the decorative reredo above the altar.

Above. Looking from the tower, down the nave towards the chancel.

Above. Looking towards the tower with the lines of the lower and older nave still visible.

Above. Three funeral hatchments remain at the church.

The three excellently rendered funerary hatchments represent the arms of John Marsden(died 1826), Admiral Tatham(died 1840) and Anne Tatham(died 1842) As soon as I find out which is which, I'll label them appropriately.

St Margaret, Hornby

2010-10-26T15:56:00.001+01:00

St Margaret

Hornby

Lancashire

St Chad, Claughton

2010-10-22T19:45:00.003+01:00

St Chad

Claughton

Lancashire

St Paul, Caton

2010-10-22T19:38:00.003+01:00

St Paul

Caton-with-Littledale

Lancashire

Caton is quite a large village situated on the A683 between Lancaster a few miles to the West and Hornby to the North East. There is documentary evidence of a church on or near to this site from as early as 1230. An intriguing architectural fragment of this original building still exists today, built into the West wall, just to the left of the tower as you enter the church yard through the iron gates from Brookhouse Road. It is a 12th century doorway, three and a half feet wide and around six feet tall and very richly carved.

Above. The church from the South.

The doorway photos have been included in a separate post along with the windows and other items of interest from the church.

There may have been a number of periods of repair and rebuilding here at St Pauls after the church's foundation, but we know that the church was rebuilt either at the end of the 15th century or the beginning of the 16th century. The tower dates from this period of rebuilding.

Above. The West tower from Brookhouse Road.

It stands to an impressive fifty five feet high and is twelve feet square. The nave at this time was a much lower building. The marks of eves can still be seen on the East wall of the interior wall of the tower, probably around eight feet lower than the current ceiling height.

Above. The church from the North, Caton Green Road.

The 1865 to 1867 Paley (of Paley and Austin of Lancaster) rebuild, created a higher and more spacious building, but unfortunately did away with much of the original medieval church. There are a couple of interesting sketches and paintings in the church that serve to give a good indication of how this pre-19th century church would have looked.

Above. Looking along the South of the church towards the porch.

The church possesses a peel of five bells. The original peel of three bells were stamped with the dates of 1605, 1617 and 1724. When these bells became unusable, they were replaced, in 1953, with two ships bells...one for chiming the hour, and the other for tolling.

Above. Looking down the nave into the chancel.

This arrangement was in place until 1964, when the three original bells were re-cast into a peel of five bells. The badges from the original three bells were retained, and were added to the new bells.

Above. Looking down the North aisle.

Above. Looking down the South aisle.

Above. Looking West towards the tower.

Above. Looking into the richly decorated chancel.

The above photo shows the chancel with the richly painted version of the Annunciation by Miss M.Gregg of Escowbeck House in Caton. The original painting, was painted by Filippo Lippi between 1455 and 1450, and shows the Virgin Mary receiving a divine message from god, delivered by an angel.

Above. A close up of the version of The Annunciation by Miss M.Gregg of Caton.

Photos of the many windows and the doorway will appear in following posts. The church is part of the Open Churches group in Lancashire, and is open most week days between 9am and 4pm.

My thanks to the Rev Graham Pollitt for showing me around this beautiful church!

Caton Methodist church, Caton

2010-10-22T19:30:00.002+01:00

Methodist church

Caton

Lancashire

The handsome Methodist Chapel in Caton, can be found just off the A683 on Brookhouse Road.

The date stone on the gable end wall states that it was erected in 1836.

Evangelical church, Capernwray

2010-10-22T19:22:00.004+01:00

Evangelical church

Capernwray

Lancashire

This is a handsome building.....ruined by the stupid big red sign that adorns the West facing tower. How anyone could think that this is in some way a good look baffles me!! The evangelical nature of the sign, screaming out to anyone who happens to chance upon this church, spoils the looks of this late 19th century church.

Above. Ruined by the sign...the West facing tower.

The church, originally built as a private chapel for nearby Capernwray Old Hall in the late 19th century, sits at the junction of Borwick Road and Borron Lane, about a mile and a half South East of the village of Borwick.

Above. Another view of the West facing tower.

The size of the church from the outside, belies the fact that it has a four bay Nave and a two bay chancel, but I was unfortunately not able to gain access to take any photos. The chapel was built between 1835 and 1840 to designs by Edmund Sharpe from Lancaster (who I'm sure would be horrified by the sign on the tower!!!) E.G.Paley added the beautiful tower, the chancel and a West window. The building work was funded entirely by George Henry Powys Marton, Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire who owned nearby Borwick Hall as well as Capernwray Hall.

Above. The North wall, with its subtle single light windows.

By the early 1960's, the congregation had outgrown the chapel and it was turned into accommodation. It was later abandoned for some time, until the Evangelical Fellowship were granted permission to use it as a chapel.

Below. Some of the church's inhabitants....proper gargoyles with a nice pair of Green Men thrown in for good luck!

The church was unfortunately locked, so I was unable to gain access.

St Mary, Borwick

2010-10-22T19:14:00.003+01:00

St Mary

Borwick

Lancashire

St Mary's at Borwick can be found on Borwick Lane, about half a mile North of the village of Borwick, and about two and a half miles South of Burton in Kendal. The church is a Grade II listed building, and was built between 1894 and 1896, to designs by the Lancaster firm of Austin and Paley. The funding and desire to build this small church, seems to have come from William Sharp of Linden Hall.

The church basically consists of two rooms, a 'two celled plan' as detailed by English Heritage's listed building description.

The church contains some good examples of late 19th century oak pews, and stained glass by Shrigley and Hunt of Lancaster. Unfortunately I was unable to gain access to the interior.

Ulverston Methodist Church, Ulverston

2010-09-30T21:20:00.003+01:00

Ulverston Methodist Church

Neville Street

Ulverston

Cumbria

The Methodist church can be found at the junction of Neville Street and Hartley Street. It would appear that the Methodists had a presence in Ulverston by the end of the 18th century, meeting in Nancy Moister's cottage. Eventually the congregation grew so much that a large room in a building on Neville Street was purchased, leading eventually to the building of a small chapel. As the congregation continued to grow, this building was finally erected, and opened in 1901.

Above. Looking at the East side of the church.

Above. A view of the church from Neville Street.

Above. A view of the church from further up Neville Street.

Stained Glass at Jesus Church, Troutbeck

2010-09-26T17:27:00.006+01:00

Stained glass at Jesus Church

Troutbeck

Cumbria

This small church has to have some of the best stained glass I've seen in Cumbria to date. The jewel in the crown is the East window, consisting of work by Sir Edward Burne-Jones, Ford Maddox Brown and William Morris.

Above. The fabulous East window with work by Burne-Jones, Brown and Morris.

Above. A window showing, I think, Jesus healing the sick.

The inscription at its foot reads, "To the Glory of God, and in memory of John Wilson ESQ..............was placed here by his daughters." Unfortunately the flowers are in the way or part of the inscription\dedication.

Above. Jesus blessing St Peter.

The inscription reads, "In memory of Roy William Sewell, 40 years vicar of Troutbeck who died 31st of July 1869, aged 88 years. This window is --- as a token of filial(?) affection by his son, Robert Sewell" As I managed to decipher some of the text, I'll correct this entry....the letters are a little faded in places.

Above. A nativity scene....the birth of Christ in the stable.

The window has the following dedication at its base, "To the glory of god and in memory of Lieutenant John Wilson R.H. who died Feb 16 1865 at Nelson, New Zealand. This window was placed here by his sister Charlotte."

Above. A window depicting Jesus as the Lamb of God. Note the Agnes Dieu at the top.

The inscription at the base of the window reads "In memory of James Longmire of Longmire --------who died 13th July 1861, aged 49 years."

Above. Window depicting Jesus blessing his followers.

This window has a long dedication at its foot, and reads as follows "In memory of Rowland Birkett who died Aug 12th 1826 aged 78, and of Sarah his wife who died Nov 8th 1812 aged 52, also of the following: Their sons and daughters Mary Moffat, died Sep 14th 1836 aged 42, James March 7th 1851 aged 58, Charlotte Oct 16th 1863 aged 67, Dorothy July 26th 1866 aged 76, Margaret May 23rd 1870 aged 78, Robert Otley Nov 25th 1870 aged 71 and William March 1st 1872 aged 70."

Above. An Edward Burn-Jones window.

I think it's safe to say that this is an Edward Burn-Jones window, judging by the style of the figures. It appears to show a saint being held aloft by a host of angles with brilliant red wings, with another two earth-bound angles beneath. The inscription reads "To the glory of god and in loving memory of Daniel Irvine Flattely who died at Holbeck Cottage Oct 21st 1897."

Above. Unidentified window. I should have moved the flowers.

Above. A beautifully coloured window from the nave.

The dedication on this window reads as follows "To the glory of god and in loving memory of Elise and William Grimble Groves, of Holehird in this parish, entered into rest 3rd of October 1918 and 24th June 1927. I wonder if any of the Grimble Groves family are still living in the area...what a fantastic surname!

Above. A window appearing to show Jesus blessing either sailors or fishermen.

The dedication in this window reads "Of John Sargent who died at by his devoted daughters." This is obviously an incomplete dedication, meaning that the window has either moved from its original location where it was part of a two light window....or the rest of the dedication is contained within some of the windows that had flowers in front of them.

Jesus Church, Troutbeck

2010-09-26T17:11:00.002+01:00

Jesus Church

Troutbeck

Cumbria

Stained glass windows at Cartmel Priory

2010-09-19T18:22:00.006+01:00

A selection of stained glass windows from Cartmel Priory

This is by no means a complete photographic collection of the stained glass at Cartmel. There are a number of windows that were just too high for my poor camera to take decent photos of....these will have to wait until a future visit. For now though, this is a good representation of what is to be seen here.

Above. A window given to the church by Charles Gray Rigge, Captian in the Royal Navy, and his wife Ellen.

The four angels right at the top of the window bear scrolls with the word Alleluia on them. The white rose of Lancashire is very much in evidence in this window, due to the fact that Cartmel, and the Cartmel peninsula was originally part of Lancashire before it became part of Cumbria after the County re-organisation of 1974. Captain Grey Rigge was the Lieutenant Commander of the Comet, a tug and sometime ferry, in 1847. This vessel was the first steam ship ordered by the British Admiralty. He was also the Lieutenant Commander of the Trident, a British Admiralty Sloop, in 1846.

Above. A slightly over-exposed photo showing one of the larger windows.

Unfortunately, as this is slightly over-exposed, it's proved difficult to identify any of the characters in this window. All I can say with any conviction is that the top fourteen windows, excluding the one on the left and the right (which contain angels with scrolls) contain images of saints. A few of them are readily identifiable, for example, the fifth window from the left on the bottom row of saints, is obviously St Andrew with his Saltire cross at his back. On the top row of saints, second from the right, is St Matthew. The others are all either too pale to read, or the text is obscured. If I manage to get a better photo of this window, it will be posted here. The bottom left and bottom right images are of prophets, but I'm unable to read their names.

Above. Another of the larger windows.

This window contains fifteen smaller windows at the top, all of which contain images of angels. They are either playing musical instruments or are holding scrolls with the word Alleluia written on them. The five bottom row windows all contain images of characters from the bible. Obviously, the centre window contains an image of Jesus. Immediately to his left is, I think, Moses, judging by the tablets that this character is holding. I'm afraid I'm unable to identify any of the others.

Above. Another of the larger windows.

Much of this window is written in Latin and over exposed so there's not much to say about the glass in this window.

Above. One of the 'busier' windows at Cartmel Priory.

Above. Window with almost colourless panes at the very top.

The following five windows are all to be found in the North aisle, and may represent some of the oldest glass here at Cartmel.

Above. The left hand panel.

Above. The right hand panel.

Above. The middle panel.

It is obvious that the glass in this tiny window is a collection of broken pieces from another window(s) There is a small piece of scroll with some writing on it, and some golden hair....possibly with the hind foot of a lion or leopard. There is also a hand (to the left) and other unidentified pieces.

Above. The three windows in-situ.

Above. Another small collection of pieces of window.

This additional collection of scraps of glass, shows four unidentified saints in the top panes of glass.

Above. A collection of broken glass.

There is obviously a small fragment of a family coat of arms here in form of half of the shield at the top of the window. The rest of the glass is made of pieces of faces and hands as well as other unidentifiable scraps of design.

Above. Another collection of broken glass.

There are a few pieces that can be identified as parts of a an angel here, as well as decorative glass.

Above. More fragments of stained glass.

Above. And more fragments.

This small portion of glass appears to have the head of a saint, to the left, with a halo surrounding his bearded face, and, in the centre, a nun or even an Abbess, judging by the ornamental staff she is holding.

The following four pieces of stained glass, all come from the Jesse window, the name alluding to the presence of the Tree of Jesse....a genealogical family history of Jesus, tracing his ancestry back to Jesse, the son of King David! Unfortunately for us, there is only a small amount of glass left from this window....but what there is, is deeply coloured and richly detailed.

Above. An angel with a scroll upon which is a Latin inscription.

Above. Another fragment of the Jesse window with two characters and yet more Latin.

Above. Another fragment of the Jesse window showing a kingly figure holding a sceptre.

To the left and right of this figure, the incomplete representations of Royal leopards in gold can still be seen.

Above. Another fragment, with more characters and Latin inscriptions.

As usual, as more information becomes available it will be posted here....and if I manage to make another visit, I'll try and get photos of the rest of the windows from the Priory.

Cartmel Priory, Cartmel

2010-09-19T15:03:00.006+01:00

Cartmel Priory

Cartmel

Cumbria

Above. The East end of Cartmel Priory.

Above. A view of the South face of Cartmel Priory.

Above. Looking East into the Nave.

Above. A panoramic view of the Chancel choir stalls.

Above. A view of the chancel passageways high up in the walls.

Above. Looking into the Chancel at the East end of the Priory.

Above. The South Transept and its two magnificent windows.

Above. The North Transept and its single window.

Above. Looking down the North aisle towards the chapel.

Above. A 'dark' view of the chancel showing the passageways high up in the wall.

Above. The Harrington tomb, inserted into an archway and therefore not in its original location.

Above. The Cavendish monument, with Royal arms on the wall behind it.

Above. A decorative piscina.

Above. Late 12th century door in the South wall.

Stained Glass windows of St Stephen, Kirkby Stephen

2010-09-17T22:52:00.003+01:00

Stained glass windows of St Stephen

Kirkby Stephen

Cumbria

Here are a few photos of the major stained glass windows of St Stephens church in Kirkby Stephen. I have no history as such for the windows shown here, so I'll just relay the dedications as they are displayed in the glass.

Above. Window dedicated to the memory of Henry King, vicar of the Parish of Kirkby Stephen for 20 years.

Above. Window dedicated to the memory of John Jackson M.D., Sarah his wife and also in memory of John Jackson who died a prisoner of war at Verdun.

Above. Window dedicated to the memory of John Foster who died 13th of August 1951, gifted to the church by his wife and family.

Above. Window dedicated to the memory of Thomas Mason, and Mary Mason, Anne Frances and John M Mason.

The window depicts Samuel(?) in the left hand pane, Mary in the second pane, Eunice and Timothy in the third pane and Peter in the right hand pane.

St Stephen, New Hutton

2010-08-20T20:28:00.005+01:00

St Stephen

New Hutton

Cumbria

New Hutton sits between the M6 motorway to the East, and Kendal, about three miles to the West. It is more of a hamlet than a village, literally consisting of about a dozen houses.

Above. Looking South over New Hutton towards the church.

The church was built 1828 to 1829 to designs by George Webster of Kendal.

Above. St Stephens from the South.

Above. St Stephen from the South.

Above. The North gates into the church yard.

Above. Overgrown gate pillar with greyhound.

Above. A close up of one of the gate posts.

Above. The lychgate.

Above. One of the dedication slabs in the lytchgate.

Above. The second dedication stone in the lytchgate.

There's very little information about this church, including the curious use of greyhounds on the fence columns to the front and rear of the church. As usual if anything comes to light, I'll include it here.

St John the Baptist, Old Hutton

2010-08-13T19:00:00.005+01:00

St John the Baptist

Old Hutton

Cumbria

Old Hutton is situated on the B6254 about four miles South East of Kendal. The village is spread out along the road between Oxenholme and the M6 motorway. The church we see today dates from 1873 but stands on the site of earlier buildings. A church or, more likely, a small chapel, stood here until about 1628. This original chapel was dedicated to St John the Baptist, and stood until it was replaced by another place of worship built in 1699. The church of 1873 cost £1250 with the majority of the funds being raised from the parishioners and local gentry. The church was built to designs by Brade and Smales.

Above. Looking at the East end of the church.

It doesn't seem that the church had a dedicated burial ground until around 1822. It was extended in 1863 and then once again in 1920. Old Hutton was a parish under the wider parish of Kendal, with its own parsonage being provided in 1831. Old and New Hutton became a joint parish in 1924. In 1984, Grayrigg was added to the parish.

Above. The circular apse at the East end of the church.

Above. Close up of the belfry.

Above. Looking down the nave towards the chancel.

Above. Inside the apse of the chancel.

Above. Looking West down the nave.

As far as I can remember, there are only two stained glass windows in this church. The first, a single light window, can be found in the East wall of the chancel.

This window depicts the crucifixion and was created by Abbot and Company of Lancaster in 1948.

The second window is a two light window, erected to the memory of Thomas Fawcett who died in 1881, and his wife, Mary, who died in 1883. The church appears to be open most days for inspection.

Heraldry in Holy Trinity, Kendal (continued!)

2010-08-07T17:10:00.005+01:00

Yet more heraldry in Holy Trinity

Kendal

Cumbria

The heraldry theme continues with another set of photos from another recent visit to Holy Trinity in Kendal. First off, the 13th century Strickland chapel, which houses the tomb of Walter Strickland, son of Thomas, aged 9. There will be another entry on the blog about this tomb, so for now, here's the low down on the heraldic symbols on this small tomb. As you can see from the image below, there is a small shield at the bottom right hand side of the tomb, to the right of the date, 1656.

Above. Walter Strickland's tomb in the Strickland chapel.

Above. A close up of the shield on Walter's tomb.

As seen elsewhere on this web site, the Strickland coat of arms consists of a simple trio of shells on a plain background. Apart from the chevrons on the lower parts of the tomb, the date and this shield are the only embellishments on the tomb.

Above. A shield on the side of the un-inscribed tomb in the Strickland Chapel.

The shield on the long side of the tomb in the Strickland Chapel, bears a very precise and excellently rendered shield. It contains the Deincourt arms in the top left and bottom right hand quarters, representing the Deincourt ancestry of Sizergh. The top right and bottom left quarters contain the Strickland arms...the three cockle shells seen elsewhere throughout the church.

Above. A shield on the short side of the un-inscribed tomb in the Strickland Chapel.

The other shield on this strange tomb, represents the Fitzhugh coat of arms

Above. One of the shields on the Parr tomb in the Parr Chapel.

This is one of the three shields on the long side of the tomb, said to belong to Queen Katherine Parr's grandfather, Sir William Parr. The top left and bottom right quarters show the arms of the Ros family of Wark. The top right and bottom left quarters contain the arms of a family I've not yet been able to identify.

Above. Another shield from the long side of the Parr tomb in the Parr Chapel.

This shield shows the Marmion family arms.

Above. Sir William Parr's coat of arms on his tomb in the Parr Chapel.

Sir Williams coat of arms is made up of the following family arms. The top left quarter shows the arms of the Ros of Wark family, and the Parr arms. The bottom left quarter shows the arms of the Marmion family. The top right quarter shows the arms of the Fitzugh family, whilst the bottom right quarter shows the arms of the Ros of Wark family again.

Finally for this post, some of the most beautiful and vibrant glass in the whole of the church. These photos are close up shots of some of the coats of arms to be found in windows throughout the church.

Above. Arms from the first Noble Window in the South wall.

The coat of arms in this window contains elements of the Irton family arms, the three gold rings in the top half of the shield, and the Noble family, represented by the three lions heads in the bottom half of the shield.

Above. Centre pane from the 19th century Yeates window in the South wall.

The top left and bottom right shields contain the arms of the Yeates family (three shields on a yellow and red shield) The top middle shelled shows the family arms of the Bretagh family (a lion over a red grid pattern on a white background) The top right shield shows the arms of the Irton family (a single chevron with three rings over it) The middle bottom shield shows the arms of the Jues family (three gold stars diagonally across a blue band)

Above. The top of the right hand pane of the 19th century Yeates window.

This shield shows the simple Irton family arms. A single chevron with three rings above it.

Above. The top of the middle pane of the 19th century Yeates window.

This shield shows the Yeates family arms. Three gates separated by gold and red chevrons.

Above. The top of the left hand pane of the 19th century Yeates window.

The Bretagh (Bretargh) family arms consisting of a lion a the top of the shield, with cross-crosslets beneath it.

Above. The bottom left of the left hand pane of the 19th century Yeates window.

I've not been able to identify this family arms yet.

Above. The bottom of the middle pane of the 19th century Yeates window.

A shield overlaid by another shield. I'm not sure what this indicates, or who the coats of arms belong to.

Above. The bottom right of the right hand pane of the 19th century Yeates window.

The shield here shows the arms of the Jues family. Three stars on a diagonal band of blue.

Above. The right hand pane of the 19th century Chambre window.

A complicated shield, this incorporates elements of the Charlton family (the lion in the central shield surrounded by the fleur-de-lys) What the other elements of this coat of arms relate to is beyond me at this stage!!

Above. The middle pane of the 19th century Chambre window.

This coat of arms represents the Chambre arms dated from about 1716, and consists of four 'marlets' (birds of some kind) between an ermine cross.

Above. The left pane of the 19th century Chambre window.

This coat of arms depicts the Charlton family arms. Simply showing a 'lion rampant' filling the whole of the shield.

As usual, as more information is obtained about these beautiful renditions of various Westmorland and Cumbrian family coats of arms, it will be posted here.

Gothic corbels in Holy Trinity, Kendal

2010-08-06T18:24:00.011+01:00

Gothic corbels in Holy Trinity

Kendal

Cumbria

The nave of Holy Trinity in Kendal is a really decorative part of the church. Not only are there sixteen clerestory windows dedicated to all manner of Kendal's famous and rich, but the rich dark wooden ceiling contrasts starkly with the white-washed walls and pale stone columns. Looking high into the ceiling space, you can make out the gothic corbels that are used to hold the struts from the vaguely King Post roof. Each corbel is mounted between a clerestory window, and best of all...is different from its neighbour. No two of these nineteen corbels are the same. I've attempted to identify the figure that each represents, and if possible, to explain what they mean...but this will be an ongoing project as I'm certainly no expert!!

Above. Possibly a stylised lion or other big cat, eating its tail. Similar to one of the gargoyles on the exterior of the church.

Lions were traditionally symbols of Jesus, and were thought to be able to hide their trail from hunters by using their tails. Lions also represent the resurrection of Jesus.

Above. Possibly a depiction of a medieval woman. Her hair is either braided against her scalp, or she is wearing a headpiece.

Above. Another (possibly) stylised cat eating its tail.

Above. The upper two thirds of a human face, minus the jaw. I can't tell if this is how it's meant to be, or if the corbel has been damaged.

Above. A simple human face.

Above. This certainly looks to me like a monkey's face.

Above. A simple dog, holding its tail above its back.

Dogs were traditionally thought to be able to heal their wounds by licking them, so people used to leave a dog next to an injured or sick person, in the hope that their wounds would be healed. On a more spiritual level, dogs healing wounds were symbolic of people confessing their sins.

Above. This appears to show a heart, with two hands above it and two feet below it. It looks to me almost like a Roman Catholic symbol.

Hands traditionally represent healing, blessing praise or servitude, depending on their position and attitude. I guess this corbel, with its hands coming from the heart, could mean praise to god coming from the heart of the congregation gathered below. I'm not sure how the feet would have come into this though....remember, I did say I was no expert!!

Above. Yet another stylised lion or other big cat.

Above. Another lion, this time resting its head on one of its paws.

Lions were thought to sleep with their eyes open, constantly watching, and therefore represented god keeping perpetual watch over his flock.

Above. This appears to show a sheep\lamb overlaid with a cross...possibly representing Jesus as the Lamb of God.

A lamb standing with a banner, as demonstrated here, represents Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) and represents the risen Christ, triumphant over death.

Above. Possibly another stylised lion. This corbel has been damaged in the past....I wonder if this beast had wings, which would have made it a Gryphon?

If this was indeed a winged gryphon, it would have represented many things to religious people. Gryphons were traditionally monogamous creatures, mating for life and never seeking another mate should their partner die. From this, the church used them as a symbol of their views of marriage. Gryphons, being a combination of a flying and walking beast, were also seen to represent Jesus, who the church obviously believed to be both of man and god. As Gryphons were a mixture of eagles, the kings of the air, and lions, the kings of the animals, they were also considered to be a representation of god.

Above. This corbel appears to show a dragon, looking away and to the right...its huge teeth can be seen.

Alternatively, this could be a basilisk....a medieval representation of Satan and embodiment of sin.

Above. There's no doubt that this is a lion.

Above. A rather portly human face, sticking its tongue out at those looking up at him!

Above. I would say this is one of the older corbels. The stone matches the oldest of the columns here in the nave. This looks to be a serpent\dragon's head, looking sky-ward. I think you can just make out its tongue. Possibly representing the devil\Satan mocking heaven\god.

Alternatively, this corbel could be an antelope of some type (albeit with a single horn). If you flip the image 180 degrees, you can see that what appears to be a bony spine running down the centre of the beast's head, could in fact be a twisted horn, much like an antelope's. The beast also has a single leg represented in the carving...ending in a three toed hoof.

More often than not, serpents or dragons are seen to be beneath the feet of either St George or St Michael, and are usually shown looking up at their slayer. The serpent or dragon here is certainly looking up as if it's not in its correct position.

Above. This looks to be a very rotund dog with a muzzle or even a halter?

Above. A human face with a full beard.

I'll keep investigating the symbology behind these fantastic carved corbels, so keep checking back for more information.

Clerestory windows, Kendal Parish Church, Kendal

2010-08-06T17:37:00.004+01:00

Further information on the Clerestory windows

Kendal Parish Church

Kendal

Cumbria

Please click the link to see the other clerestory windows at Kendal Parish Church. Shown below, is a single window that is sited away from the two rows of clerestory windows in the nave. This window, shown below, can be found high up on the North wall of the Bellingham chapel. I wonder if this is one of the windows moved from the clerestory when it was realised that the weight of the extra walls was causing the columns to lean?

Above. The 17th clerestory window.

The left hand pane of glass tells us this window was dedicated to the memory of Thomas Co?er of Brereton, and his wife Anne. The middle pane shows St Michael slaying a dragon, possibly representing the devil, and the right hand pane tells us that the window was erected by their son, AC.MACCCLH?? If you can decipher their son's name....please let me know!!!

In the previous post on this blog regarding the Clerestory windows in Kendal Parish church, I mentioned that the weight of the windows and additional masonry to house them, had caused a couple of the supporting columns to move and lean. Well....the photo below shows the result of this structural deficiency. Although only a small lean, it is none the less visible here.

Above. One of the leaning columns at the East end of the church, just in front of the Bevington organ. I don't know if the lean was ever any more than this, or if the column has ever been repaired. The column in front of this also has a lean on it, but was much harder to photograph.

The Memorial Chapel of the Border Regiment, Holy Trinity, Kendal

2010-07-08T22:33:00.009+01:00

The Memorial Chapel of the Border Regiment

Holy Trinity

Kendal

The Bellingham chapel at Holy Trinity, dates originally from the 16th century, and was built by Sir Roger Bellingham (his tomb is situated here in this chapel) The Crown of thorns that hangs over the chapel, formerly occupied the space above the central alter, but was moved here when the chapel was adopted as the Memorial chapel of the Border Regiment. The Crown of Thorns is dedicated to Bernard Gilpin, otherwise known as the Apostle of the North. The beautiful blue ceiling is home to 16 coats of arms, all shown here.

Above. A view of the decorated ceiling of the Bellingham Chapel.

Above. I think this shield shows the Burneside arms on either side.

Above. A shield showing the Ross (in Scotland) arms.

Above. I'm not sure if this is specifically a coat of arms, or just some sort of symbolically important design.

Above. This shield seems to vaguely depict the arms of the Bellingham or Forrester families...though the two star symbols may mean this is some other family coat of arms.

Above. The same shield, but this time not as detailed, and upside down!

Above. The Crackenthorpe family arms.

Above. The Sandeford family arms. Two boars heads above a field of ermine.

Above. The Burneside family arms again.

Above. An unidentified coat of arms. Three gold fleur-de-lis on a blue shield.

Above. Possibly the Burneside family arms, but with the confusion of the right hand side shield. It's upside down if it too, belongs to the Burneside family.

Above. A shield that vaguely depicts the Crackenthorpe family arms again, but this time with a single blue fleur-de-lis in the centre.

Above. At last a simple one to identify. The arms of the de Lancaster family.

Above. Possibly the a form of the Sandeford family...although this shield only bears one boars head above a smaller quarter of ermine.

Above. The arms of the Bellingham family of Levens.

Above. The arms of the Bellingham (not of Levens) A single hunter's horn suspended on gold rope.

Holy Trinity is rich in history, and is well worth a visit. However, don't pay it a fleeting visit...make sure that you have plenty of time to delve into all the corners and all of the shadows to make sure that you get a glimpse of all the treasure it has to offer. Check their website out for more information, including a complete list of memorials both inside and outside of the church.

The Border Regiment web site.

Additional information about the Border Regiment.

The Kings Own Royal Border Regiment.

Information on Bernard Gilpin and his family arms.

More heraldry in Holy Trinity, Kendal

2010-07-07T21:39:00.011+01:00

More heraldry in Holy Trinity in Kendal

Hidden in the high ceiling of the Parr chapel in the South Eastern corner of the church, are a number of small wooden shields depicting the arms of some of the most important families in the Kendal area. As you stand looking at the Eastern end of the church, cast your eyes sky-ward, and along each side, where the wall meets the roof, the shields can be seen. There are also a number of 'maiden's heads', traditionally said to be the crest of the Parr family. Also to be seen, are four shields on the top of Sir Roger and Lady Margaret Bellingham's tomb, to be found in the Bellingham chapel at the North Eastern end of the church. It is these shields that are shown below first.

The Bellingham Chapel.

The Bellingham Chapel is to be found in what has now been adopted as the Memorial Chapel of the Border Regiment (their arms can be seen in the window) The Bellingham tomb belongs to Sir Roger and Lady Margaret Bellingham. The brasses now to be seen on top of the tomb are replicas of the originals, which were stolen in the 17th century. The brass at the foot of the tomb (not shown here) contains the following epitaph "Here under lyeth Sir Roger Bellingham, Knt. (which of his own proper costs and charges builded the chapell of our Lady within this church of Kendall), and of Margaret, his wife, daur. of Sir Robert Aske, Knight, and of Elizabeth, his wife, daur. to the Lord John Clifford, now created Earl of Cumberland, which Sir Roger died the 18th day of July, A.D. 1533, and the sd. Margaret dyed the - day of - , A.D. 15 -, whose souls Jhesu pardon"

On the wall next to the tomb, is a brass dating from 1577, and commemorates Sir Alan Bellingham.

Above. A shield bearing the arms of the Bellinghams of Levens.

The bugles in this shield represent the senior branch of the Bellingham family of Levens Hall. A nice simple coat of arms to identify.

Above. A shield bearing the arms of the Bellingham and Burneside families.

This shield is split into quarters. The top left and bottom right quarters each contain the three bugles which represent the senior line of the Bellingham family of Levens Hall. The top right and bottom left quarters, contain the arms of the Burneside family....diagonal lines with a lion in the top left of the shield.

Above. A shield bearing the arms of the Moulton family (or Multon)

This is another simple coat of arms to identify. The shield is split by horizontal bands, and in the center, a 'golden annulet' represented by the ring.

Above. Shield bearing the arms of the Bellingham, Burneside and Gilpin families.

Another complicated shield, this time with five parts to it. Firstly, the entire right hand side of the shield is occupied by the Gilpin arms....a boar under a tree. The left hand side of the shield is split as follows: Bottom left and top right, contains the arms of the Burneside family. The top left and bottom right contain the three bugles of the Bellingham family of Levens Hall.

The Parr Chapel.

The Parr chapel dates from the 14th century, and is perhaps the 'busiest' part of the entire church where heraldic devices are concerned. There are a total of 15 shields in this chapel alone, all mounted high on the wall.

Above. Fitting that this shield is in the Parr chapel....these are the arms of Queen Katherine Parr.

Her arms as Queen consort can be seen at this link. Check this link for a short biography of Katherine Parr.

Above. An unidentified coat of arms, but with familiar elements.

This shield ultimately portrays a member of the Parr family's arms...though I've not been able to identify just who's it is. It is nearly the same as Sir Thomas Parr's, though there are subtle differences in the top left quarter.

Above. The Ros of Wark arms quartered with the Parr arms.

I've not been able to identify the individual that would have owned these arms...but the shield is quartered as follows: Top left and bottom right bears the arms of the Parr family. Top right and bottom left bears the arms of the Ros family of Wark.

Above. A shield depicting the arms of the Parr family of Kendal.

The top right hand quarter of this shield, contains the arms of the Fitzhugh family. The bottom right hand quarter contains the Ros family arms. The top left quarter contains the arms of the Parr family, and the bottom left quarter contains the arms of the Marmion family.

Above. A shield depicting the arms of the Ros family of Wark.

The arms for the Ros family shows three 'water bougets' which I think were leather bags for carrying water in.

Above. A shield depicting the arms of the de Lancaster family.

The following seven photos show the maiden heads that can be found on four of the small wooden shields, and three on the walls. There is a fourth carved maiden's head, on one of the pillars, though this hasn't been photographed yet.

The maiden heads were traditionally the badge of the Parr family, and they are certainly well represented here. The representations of the maiden on the wooden shields are far more decorative and intricate than their stone carved counterparts.

Previous page on heraldry in Holy Trinity.

St Mary's Abbey, York

2010-07-06T22:41:00.001+01:00

St Mary's Abbey
York
Yorkshire

Situated in the park (Museum Gardens), sandwiched between Marygate, Bootham and accessible from Museum Street, the standing ruins of the Abbey of St Mary are a direct opposite of the grandeur and completeness of York Minster.

Above. The North wall of the church.

The Benedictine Abbey was established in 1055 and dedicated to Saint Olave, but was re-founded in 1088 by William II, who was reputed to have laid the foundation stone of the new Norman building. The original church, deemed too small for its growing congregation by William, although no longer standing, can still be seen as a curve of stones in the turf...representing the apse of the church.

Above. The North wall of the church, and part of the cross wall.

It was from the monks at St Mary, that Fountains Abbey was established. A group left after disagreeing with the rigid Benedictine way of life in 1132, and travelled North to establish what was to become the largest and richest Cistercian abbey in England.

Above. The North wall of the church, looking East.

The abbey ruins, as seen today, represent a period of building that took place between 1271 and 1294, resulting in one of the largest and richest Benedictine Abbeys in the North of England.....as well as one of the largest land owners in England.

Above. The footings of the apse from the original Norman church.

As with all of England's monastic houses, the 1539 Dissolution of the Monasteries saw the abbey closed down and its lands and wealth confiscated by the Crown. All that remains today, are the North and West walls and a few other pieces of masonry and excavated foundations of out-buildings. The West gate also remains, standing between the church of St Olave and the gatekeepers lodge.

Above. The East end of the abbey precincts, showing rubble ruins and foundations.

Much of the abbey precinct walls and towers were also left standing, most likely because they formed an integral part of the defensive walls of the city of York.