Diameter: 20.06" Bell 1 of 1
Dove Bell ID: 56066 Tower ID: 21266 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Kentmere: St Cuthbert
Diocese of Carlisle
Church, 607221
http://www.sikchurches.org.ukOverview
Grid reference: NY 456 41
The church of St Cuthbert, Kentmere is listed Grade II and stands in a splendid position on a prominent brow overlooking the valley floor to the south below. Its documented history extends back to at least 1453 when according to Cumberland & Westmorland Antiquarian & Archaeological Society (CWAAS) documents a priest as appointed. The church is also mentioned in the volume 'Antiquary on Horseback', the recollections of Rev Thos Machell. This contains descriptions of the church in the 1690s, together with sketches. The similarity of these to the existing structure, give a very high confidence that the basic structure portrayed by Machell is that of today, except for the tower. However, its position at the junction of significant ancient routes north-south and east-west, and the presence of an ancient yew tree dated over 1000 years old, provide circumstantial evidence that there has been a place of worship on the site for at least that length of time. An archaeologist's report completed in 1866 suggests that parts of the building could date from the 11th century. The church tower at the west end of the building suggests a possibly mediaeval date as there are deep slots in the internal walls of the door that allowed it to be defended from within. A tight spiral stone staircase leads up 2 stages, the first allowing access to the roof space and the second to a single very old bronze bell. Plaques in the church record that the church was augmented in 1756 and the churchyard extended in 1757. A further plaque records that the church, having fallen into a state of decay, was refurbished in 1866 and the tower extended to its present height at the sole cost of Admiral Wilson of Windermere. The simple Victorian pews were probably also fitted at that time. A final plaque in memory of John Gilpin (died 1959) states he was also involved in renovation. One enters the church through an outer porch to be greeted by some 70 tapestry kneelers standing on the prayer shelves of the pews. The omission of stained glass is of great benefit as the views from within, of the surrounding fells, are stunning. Looking down the nave one cannot help but be impressed by the view through the clear glass of the large east window out to the green fells beyond with housed dotted in the foreground. The altar was fitted by Pattinsons of Windermere in 1931 using local green slate. the fine chamber organ on the north wall came from a Methodist Chapel in Kirkby Stephen in the early 1900s, having been refurbished by Wilkinson and Sons of Kendal. An illuminated metal plaque commemorating the life of Bernard Gilpin 'Apostle of the North' (1517 - 1583) born in the nearby Kentmere Hall. The overly large plain pale stone font stands on a larger stone plinth just west of the inner vestibule and rather dominates this part of the church. The wooden ceiling rests on timbers approx. 400 years old, and its shallow angled profile suggests the likelihood the church originally had a lead roof as reported by Thomas Machell c1893. The churchyard is a mass of wild daffodils in spring and has around 200 species of plant life. It is maintained as a wildlife conservation area.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 252 m²
Exterior Description
Inside the church there is a memorial to Bernard Gilpin ('The Prophet of the North'), born 1517 at Kentmere Hall. the 'art nouveau' plaque was created in 1901 by the Keswick School of Industrial Arts at the behest of Canon Rawnsley, a founder of the National Trust. There is an ancient yew tree to the south of the building which is estimated as over 100 years old.
Interior
Bells
Churchyard
Grid reference: NY 456 41
Burial and War Grave Information
The church/building is consecrated.
The churchyard has been used for burial.
The churchyard is used for burial.
The churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
There are no records of National Heritage assets within the curtilage of this site.
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.
| Name | Status | Number found in this site |
|---|---|---|
| Common yew | Veterantree | 1 |
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
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