Cumbrian churches

Monday, 6 December 2010

Langcliffe Methodist Chapel and school

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!

Wednesday, 1 December 2010

Market Cross, Giggleswick

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

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

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

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.