Bell 1 of 2
Founded by John Murphy 1865
Dove Bell ID: 50443 Tower ID: 17956 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Asby: St Peter
Overview
Grid reference: NY 680 132
The earliest reference to a church at Asby is found in a Charter written circa 1200AD. The site may be even earlier, as Peter was a common dedication from the 7th century on. By 1861 the church was in a poor state of repair, and so was dismantled, with the foundation stone for a new church being laid in 1865. The Bishop of Carlisle consecrated the building on September 27th 1866. Both the church and lychgate are now Grade II listed buildings. When the church was rebuilt an additional piece of land was incorporated for burials, between the original wall and the church bridge, and it is possible that the lychgate originates from this time. By 1919 it was necessary to extend the churchyard even further and land to the east was enclosed, the work being undertaken by men of the parish. A stone set in the wall commemorating this is dated June 18th 1919. A church has been present in Great Asby since medieval times, although it is uncertain how many preceded the present building. Built in 1866, the well-built church is designed in Gothic Revival style almost certainly using some stone from its dismantled predecessor. It leans towards the Decorated period with geometric and flowing tracery set into pointed windows. The west end is attractively modelled with buttresses wrapping around a deeply rebated pointed arch that houses the two light window that has a five pointed floral star in the head. A double bell belfry rises above the buttressed gable. A substantial gabled porch with a deep roof is attached to the south aisle. This arrangement reflects the appearance of the former church. The east window has three lights with flamboyant tracery based on a geometric pattern in the head. The window sits in top of a three step cill course that adds visual interest adding form to the elevation. Internally, the round pillars with decorated capitals run along the south side of the nave. The stone work is banded in alternating light and dark pink to create something of a High Gothic tone, an approach that is extended to include the use of carved heralds and angels as corbels for the roof timbers. There is an Aumbrey in the north wall, a sedilia in the south wall and the stained glass, designed by Burrows and Leonard Walker, provides colour. The pulpit and font are both finely carved and enrich the quality of the church which has remained remarkably unchanged, including original patterned radiators in the chancel. The lychgate is robust, attractive and fits the character of the church.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Church open to visitors during daylight hours Live music and concerts Guidebook available Wheelchair access ramp and accessible toilets available Visitor toilets and baby changing facilities available Assistance dogs welcome
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 314 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
Earlier medieval building(s)
Grave of Sgt William Ellwood recorded by CWGC
Exterior Description
The present building is typically Gothic in style, with a buttress at each outer corner. It consists of chancel and nave, with a side aisle to the south and a vestry on the north side of the chancel. The roof of the nave and side aisle is supported on decorated corbels whilst the roof of the chancel consists of wooden panels.
The bells of the present church were presented at its rebuilding. They are dated 1865 and were made by Murphy’s of Dublin.
Interior
Interior Description
In the sanctuary there is an aumbry in the north wall and a sedilia in the south wall. The reredos behind the altar consists of wooden panels, two of which carry the Ten Commandments.
The ‘new’ organ dates from 2011 when it was purchased for £500 from Egremont Methodist Chapel to replace its predecessor bought from a London school in 1918. That in turn had replaced a harmonium bought by public subscription in 1880. Prior to the installation of the harmonium, church records show that a pitch pipe was purchased for one shilling in 1768.
During the re-ordering made possible by the replacement of the organ, a small kitchen and toilet facilities were installed (together with the first water supply to the church), and the gallery built.
The three panel east window depicts incidents in the life of St Peter:
left: St Peter healing the lame man (Acts 3 v6)
centre: Christ and St Peter walking on the water (Matt 14 v31)
right: St Peter restoring Dorcas to life (Acts 9 v39)
and in the quatrefoil above: the angel coming to deliver St Peter from prison (Acts 12 v7)
The window at the east end of the south aisle showing Saints Peter and Bartholomew was erected to the memory of Charles Robert Rivington of Castle Bank.
Bells
Bell 2 of 2
Founded by John Murphy 1865
Dove Bell ID: 50444 Tower ID: 17956 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: NY 680 132
Burial and War Grave Information
The church/building is consecrated.
The churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
The churchyard is closed for burial by order in council.
The date of the burial closure order is 21/10/1987
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
Quinquennial Inspections
Submit a change
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