Diameter: 13" Bell 1 of 1
Dove Bell ID: 54668 Tower ID: 20490 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Grinsdale: St Kentigern
Overview
Grid reference: NY 372 580
The current St Kentigern's building largely dates to a 1738-40 rebuild of a medieval church. The architectural tone is set by the windows and belfry openings, all tall single segmental-headed arched openings with the exception of the east window. The windows have leaded panes, good quality. There is a large wall monument at the east end of the south chancel wall, to the east of the two windows; the north chancel wall is blind, although a dark patch in the render would appear to indicate the former presence of a door.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
3-bay nave and narrower 2-bay chancel, west tower, wooden south porch.
Dimensions:
Nave 10m (34ft) by 5m (16ft).
Description of Archaeology and History
The site is of medieval, at least 12th-century origin. Local legend has it that the 7th-century missionary in whose name the church is dedicated founded a church on the site, but this is unlikely. The church originally possessed rectorial privileges, but was granted to and served from Lanercost Priory from the late 12th century up to the Reformation.
The church gradually fell into disrepair thereafter and was ruinous by 1703. It was substantially or completely rebuilt in 1738-40, apparently re-using the old foundations. The open timber porch was added in 1895, the roof rebuilt and interior restored, without destroying its Georgian character from the outside.
Exterior Description
If it is not a contradiction in terms, one could say that the dominating feature of this church is its diminutiveness. There are many small churches and chapels, but the fact that this church comes complete with equally miniature castellated tower with arrow slits (a common feature in the fortified medieval churches of this border area, see Burgh-by-sands below) almost lends it a dolls-house quality.
The architectural tone is set by the windows and belfry openings, all tall single segmental-headed arched openings with the exception of the east window. The windows have leaded panes, good quality. There is a large wall monument at the east end of the south chancel wall, to the east of the two windows; the north chancel wall is blind, although a dark patch in the render would appear to indicate the former presence of a door.
The roof cuts across the eastern belfry opening. It is of a steep pitch and is carried through over the chancel, with a floriate stone cross finial at the east gable, and stone copings and kneelers.
Building Fabric and Features
Nave
18th century 3-bay
Chancel
18th century 2-bay, narrow
Tower (component)
18th century west
Porch
19th century wooden
Building Materials
Brick
18th century walls
Stone
18th century plinth
Render
18th century heavily
Sandstone
18th century red, dressings
Pine
18th century pitched pine roof structure
Slate
18th century roofs, green
Interior
Interior Description
The cramped interior appears to have been more comprehensively restored in 1895. Most of the furnishings are of this date, and are conventional. The walls are whitewashed. The east window is a two-light with stained glass. The only items of particular note are the wall tablets and the Royal Arms. The timber roof is open with elaborately carved arch-braces. The floor is of woodblock overlaid with red carpet throughout.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
20th century Plain table.
Pulpit
20th century Square panelled pitched-pine pulpit.
Font (component)
19th century Stone font with hexagonal bowl, perhaps early 19th century.
Stained Glass (window)
19th century The east window has the Good Shepherd and the Crucifixion, signed TD 1854. Characterful figures, grisaille.
Plaque (component)
19th century Large stone plaque with square field and draped urn above mounted externally on the chancel south wall. Inscription much eroded, to John Forster, who died in 1819 on his passage to the Cape of Good Hope.
Inscribed Object
19th century Fine marble monument in the chancel by Nelson of Carlisle, with a plain Grecian urn in a recess to the memory of Flora Steel, apparently inspired by M Watson’s monument to Francis Aglionby at Ainstable (1843).
Organ (component)
20th century Electronic organ. Set of organ pipes mounted on the wall.
Rail
19th century Tripartite oak rail, balusters, 18th century style but of 1895.
Bells
Portable Furnishings and Artworks
Registers date from 1783.
Churchyard
Grid reference: NY 372 580
Burial and War Grave Information
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has war graves.
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | No |
| Solar Thermal Panels | No |
| Biomass | No |
| Wind Turbine | No |
| Air Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ev Charging | No |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
Sources
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