Diameter: 17" Bell 1 of 1
1753
Dove Bell ID: 54563 Tower ID: 20424 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Great Orton: St Giles
Diocese of Carlisle
Church, 607100
http://www.eastsolwaychurches.org/Overview
Grid reference: NY 328 542
St Giles’ Church Great Orton, founded 1098, is the oldest building in the parish and has been a centre of faithful ministry, worship and celebration for the people of Orton for over 900years. It is reputed to have been the first parish church built in Cumberland following the Norman Conquest. and uniquely, is the only church in the Carlisle Diocese dedicated to St Giles. Built of irregular coursed, dressed, grey and red sandstone blocks from Hadrian’s Wall, the Church is of simple design comprising a chancel and nave, the chancel arch and dividing wall are assumed to have been removed at the time of restoration in order to improve the liturgical arrangement. Two wooden beams above the chancel are believed to be original, as are two Norman windows on each side of the sanctuary, but the windows in the nave appear to have been enlarged during the C19th alterations. Externally, traces of marks made by the original masons can be found and internally, the three feet thick walls are of ‘navis’ design representing the shape of a ship, or more biblically ‘The Ark’. The pitched roof is stone flagged over an exposed roof structure. The Church was extended at the west end during the mid 19th century when an adjoining school room was demolished. Following the extension, other internal renovation took place including installation of most of the stained glass windows. The west window is in Arts & Craft style by Campbell, Smith & Co. 1886. A more recent window depicting and dedicated to St. Giles was added in the mid 20th century. The font cover, designed by a previous long serving incumbent was carved by a parishioner and bears a Greek palindrome translated to mean ‘wash not only my feet, but my sins’. Other items carved by the same craftsman are the lectern, and choir stall ends. The porch was added to the north side entrance around the turn of the 20th century. Another doorway on the south side of the chancel provides an alternative means of exit if necessary. The Bellcote(recently restored) at the west end houses a 17” diameter bell dating from 1752, with the names of the two Churchwardens of that time embossed on the rim. The Church is accessed from the north west side through double gates under a metal arch. The gravel driveway provides level access with no steps between the road and the interior of the church. Due to the close proximity of the English/Scottish border, the area has experienced a turbulent history with frequent raids and destruction. It is therefore not surprising that prior to the 17th century, the Church was a natural target and suffered fire at this time. During this time, the original dedication was lost and the Church was dedicated to St. Kentigern(or Mungo). It was not until the late 19th century that a document was found resulting in the original dedication being restored. Currently, there are services twice or three times each month including an Ecumenical service. The wider church community enjoys a variety of other activities and events. Community outreach has successfully been achieved with lunches served at different times during the Church’s year, catering for all of the community and visitors too.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 183 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
To come
Exterior Description
War Memorial remembering all those from the parish who fell serving their country and records the name, rank and regiment, together with the date and location of death.
Interior
Bells
Churchyard
Grid reference: NY 328 542
Burial and War Grave Information
The church/building is consecrated.
The churchyard has been used for burial.
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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