Cleator Moor: St John
Overview
Grid reference: NY 14 153
Designed by George Fergusson it is variously described as Neo-Norman and Romanesque in style and dates from 1870- 2; Although restored very quickly in 1900. It is a large church capable of seating 900 people. Pevsner comments on the rather starved w steeple but there appears to be only a tower from the ground unless one has the benefit of an aerial view? It is built of the distinctive local red sandstone and sits in a large plot. The interior space is enlivened by the painted brickwork and the large clerestory windows supported by an arcade with waterleaf capitals on quatrefoil piers. The modern stained glass, by Reid Millican and William Wailes, is most distinctive.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
W tower with baptistery in base, clerestoried nave with N and S aisles, chancel with N chapel and S vestry. C20 hall to W with WCs and kitchen.
Footprint of Church buildings: 553 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
There are few archaeological records in the vicinity of the site. The site has little archaeological potential.
The site is heavily buried to the W of the church and there are interred remains close to the E end. There is limited potential for archaeological implications.
The name ‘Cleator’ derives from rock or cliff. Cleator Moor was established a mile north of Cleator c.1860s. The Cleator Moor ironworks was inaugurated in 1842 with the first ore brought to the surface in 1846. The Montreal mine (iron ore) opened in 1862, owned by Mr John Stirling (associated with some of the fittings in the church). There was also coal mining, limestone quarrying and a flaxmill. Industry was enhanced by the arrival of the railways. The boom had a similar impact on the population. The mines were all closed by 1925.
A mission was established in 1858 and in 1868 the Bishop of Carlisle was given £6,000 by Richard Marquis of Westminster to form two parishes. The site of the church, vicarage and graveyard were given by Thomas Brocklebank. £6,000 was raised by public subscription and the total cost was £8,500. At that time the population was 5,000 and there was no church.
A building was designed by Messrs John Augustus Cory (1819-1887) and Charles John Ferguson (1840-1904) of Carlisle and planned to seat 900. The completed church was consecrated in 1872 as recorded by a brass plaque.
The church was redecorated in 1899 at the expense of John Stirling (of Montreal mine) when the brick nave arches were covered in concrete. ICBS records also show an approved grant for repairs in 1953-5 under the instruction of architects F G Jackson and C B Martindale. In 1972 a new high altar was introduced and the altar rail repositioned to enlarge the sanctuary and new windows at the E end. Choir stalls were moved to the W end and a Lady Chapel created in the S aisle. A screen was inserted across the base of the tower in 2008.
There are mature trees and bushes within the churchyard. No known preservation orders.
Exterior Description
The tall square tower of St John’s ensures its presence on approach. The church was built in one phase and the Romanesque or Neo-Norman theme is continued throughout with every arch and window opening having a round-head. Lean-to aisles abut the nave with a clerestory above.
The 3-stage W tower has in its base a round-headed window on each side, and in the upper level paired belfry openings under a containing arch with blind recesses either side. A door on the S side provides access to the belfry.
The main door to the church is on the N side of the N aisle, raised by 5 steps, with handrails to either side. The door is positioned within a decorative carved opening of 3 orders with chevron and floral details, and attached columns with waterleaf columns. It fills a whole bay.
The nave is of 4-bays marked by single round-headed windows at aisle and clerestory level, each beneath a hoodmould. Buttresses are positioned between each bay. The lower windows are all protected by rusting grills. The clerestory windows have been replaced with Perspex.
The E wall is pierced by 3 round-headed lancets, the central being the tallest, and with a continuous hoodmould over the windows, and a sill beneath. The chancel roof is lower and more steeply pitched than the nave.
Building Fabric and Features
Tower (component)
19th century west
Baptistery
19th century in base of tower
Nave
19th century
Clerestory
19th century
Aisle
19th century north and south
Chancel
19th century
Chapel (component)
19th century chancel north
Vestry
19th century chancel south side
Building Materials
Sandstone
19th century snecked Cumberland sandstone
Brick
19th century
Slate
19th century roof
Painted Plaster
19th century interior
Interior
Interior Description
The interior is huge and lofty, ceiled by a continuous, high, vault – a pointed barrel vault with transverse arches in the nave [Pevsner explains that this was of yellow brick and pink stone but these have been hidden by rendering and painting white]. The combination of clerestory windows and only a little stained glass ensures there is plenty of natural light.
The 4-bay nave is articulated by N and S arcades carrying round brick arches on sandstone columns (clusters of 4 with carved acanthus capitals). The original construction was in brick and sandstone and the brick is visible through the render and paint around the arches. The columns, arches and corbels remain as exposed stone, the rest is painted white. A dog-tooth / chevron-style detail runs continuously at sill level beneath the clerestory and around the arcades.
Carpet extends up the main aisle with pews either side, fixed on raised wood boarded pew platforms. Other areas of floor are paved in stone flags. Decoratively carved choir stalls have been relocated to the W end, in front of the base of the tower. A round moulded tower arch is screened by a wood partition and a curtain at ground level. The space at the base of the tower is ceiled by a domed vault and doubles as a baptistery and vestry.
The aisles are ceiled by quadrant vaults. At the W end of the N aisle is a simple tea point. At the E end are 3 steps leading to a door, concealed behind a curtain, which accesses a space to the N side of the chancel (former organ chamber). The S aisle has the organ in the W bay, and a Lady Chapel altar in the E bay. Ribs rest on carved stone corbels.
At the E end, 2 steps (with inserted handrails) lead up to the chancel beneath a high round moulded chancel arch. The chancel area is simple since furniture has been moved out and the area has been carpeted. A 2-bay opening to the N side, with a central round pier, is screened at the lower level by a curtain beneath a wood rail. This area was once occupied by the organ and is now used for storage.
The curtain continues around to the E wall where it forms a backdrop to the high altar which is raised on another step. The roof is formed differently to the nave, with intersecting ribs, and is painted dark blue with gold text and stars. The walls of the chancel have exposed stone around the base. A small round-arched door in the S wall leads to the former vestries.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
20th century Simple oak frame table, 1972.
Pulpit
19th century Polygonal carved oak, yew and ebony on circular stone drum. Romanesque. Ornate iron and brass handrail. In same style as the reader’s desk. Gift of John Stirling Esq Montreal Iron Ore Works June 1872 as recorded by brass plaque.
Lectern
19th century Carved oak yew and ebony eagle. Gift of John Stirling, 1872. Very fine. On base with carved crockets.
Font (component)
19th century Carved square stone font with carved fleur-de-lys, supported on 5 marble shafts with carved stone capitals and raised on a stone step. Lead-lined bowl. Flat oak cover with iron-work and ring. Positioned within baptistery in base of tower. Gift of Sunday school assisted by John Stirling of Bridekirk 1872 – as recorded by brass plaque.
Reredos
20th century (Caine records an oak reredos with 9 arches, given by Joseph Fearon – no longer in situ and presume removed c.1970s when choir stalls relocated to W end)
Choir
19th century Carved oak choir stalls positioned at W end. Match pulpit. Arcaded frontals with dog-tooth details. Circular poppy-heads. A set with readers’ desk and pulpit.
Pew (component)
19th century Plain pine pews in nave and aisles.
Rail
19th century Decorative iron uprights and plain oak handrail.
Organ (component)
19th century 2 manual organ. Originally by Gray and Davison in 1877. Rebuilt by Jardine and Co Ltd in 1924 to commemorate the Jubilee of the church in 1922 as recorded by a plaque.
Plaque (component)
19th century Various plaques, some to those who contributed to the funds for the construction of the church.
Stained Glass (window)
19th / 20th century Various: • E –3 lights - Christ with Crown of Thorns and to either side net and fishes, and, corn and sickle. Reed Millican & Co. of Newcastle, 1972; • N chancel – similar to E window, by Reed Millican; • S chancel – similar to E window, by Reed Millican; • S aisle by S altar – Virgin and Child by Reed Millican, 1985; (Reed Millican windows probably designed by the firm’s chief designer, Stanley Scott 1912-1997) • S – with 3 medallions – only central one is figurative with Christ - a brass plaque beneath records the Rt Rev Waldegrave, late Bishop of Carlisle d.1869 – window may have been in his memory. Smith attributes to William Wailes. Glass has deteriorated; • N – Acts of Charity, with 3 medallions. Smith states erected 1875 and attributes to William Wailes.
Portable Furnishings and Artworks
Registers: Baptisms recorded since 1869.
Churchyard
Grid reference: NY 14 153
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.
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
Showing 7 entries of 7 View All
Quinquennial Inspections
Submit a change
If you notice something incorrect or missing, please explain it in the form below and submit it to our team for review.