Nominal: 743.5 Hz Weight: 1395 lbs Diameter: 42.5" Bell 1 of 6
Founded by Thomas II Mears 1825
Dove Bell ID: 3779 Tower ID: 16609 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Kirkby Lonsdale: St Mary the Virgin
Diocese of Carlisle
Major Parish Church, 607222
http://www.therainbowparish.orgThis church is on the Heritage at Risk Register (verified 2025-11-06)
View more information about this church on the Heritage at Risk website
Overview
Grid reference: SD 611 788
Punctuating a characteristic market town silhouette, the squared tower of St Marys stands just visible above the rooftops, weathervane and flag of St George striking light and colour against shades of grey. Hidden from the Market Square, contrasting with narrow streets, and located mid-way to the motte, St Marys is glimpsed through an iron arch and gates, its picturesque setting holding back town and country for burials and effect; the gazebo celebrates Ruskins affirmation of one of the loveliest scenes in England, captured by Turner. A large but recumbent rectangular church, it echoes to nine centuries of phased development and unresolved collisions, all somewhat absorbed into a mellowed interior with cathedral-like qualities, directly derived no less from Durhams incised bold piers. At its core, powerful Norman features; a narrow nave, shouldered by wider later double north and single south aisles, their chronology documented by nationally significant arcades with plain chamfers and capitals of beast and leaf. Jacobean furnishings feel bespoke and appropriate. The Victorian pews impose and, with the chancel iron screen, congest an already busy interior; the stained glass is but a footnote.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 715 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
Succeeds earlier Saxon church on site
Exterior Description
Gates and gazebo should be listed
Interior
Fixtures and fittings
Clock
20th Century Clock with cast iron flat bed frame located in Tower made by JohnSmith from Derby
Historical Notes
1911 - 1911
Period Qualifier: 2
Bells
Nominal: 1245.5 Hz Weight: 626 lbs Diameter: 29.63" Bell 2 of 6
Founded by Thomas II Mears 1825
Dove Bell ID: 27276 Tower ID: 16609 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Nominal: 1117.5 Hz Weight: 686 lbs Diameter: 31.5" Bell 3 of 6
Founded by Thomas II Mears 1825
Dove Bell ID: 27277 Tower ID: 16609 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Nominal: 1001 Hz Weight: 785 lbs Diameter: 33.5" Bell 4 of 6
Founded by Thomas II Mears 1825
Dove Bell ID: 27278 Tower ID: 16609 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Nominal: 935 Hz Weight: 1019 lbs Diameter: 35" Bell 5 of 6
Founded by Thomas II Mears 1825
Dove Bell ID: 27279 Tower ID: 16609 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Nominal: 837.5 Hz Weight: 1228 lbs Diameter: 38" Bell 6 of 6
Founded by Thomas II Mears 1825
Dove Bell ID: 27280 Tower ID: 16609 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: SD 611 788
Burial and War Grave Information
The church/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.
National Heritage record for England designations
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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