Muncaster: St Michael
Diocese of Carlisle
Church, 607297
http://www.eskdalebenefice.org.ukOverview
Grid reference: SD 103 965
Although often expertly done the church has been much altered; but there is evidence of 12th century stone in the Nave which has plain mullioned windows. The East window is Perpendicular and relates to the building of the Chancel in the late 15th century. The stained glass is more than usually significant here with windows by Holiday of 1882 and 1887. However the most unusual is the tripartite West window which is one of only a few depicting Doom in the country; the Archangel Michael between groups rising from the dead is surmounted by Christ in Glory. It has also been suggested that the Vestry window is by the firm of Morris & Co. The church is in the grounds of Muncaster Castle which was itself reworked by Anthony Salvin c. 1860 and in 1874 he added the North Transept and a Decorated tracery partition to the church. It is possible that he could also be responsible for the crenelated parapet on the church which is reminiscent of the castle itself? Sir Nikolaus Pevsner described Anthony Salvin (1799-1881) as 'the most successful restorer and purveyor of castles in the 2nd half of the 19th Century' and his work here is obviously noteworthy. In the churchyard is a cross shaft and a wheel head believed to be over 1000 years old (see above).
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 314 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
Possible earlier church and cross shaft
Exterior Description
A 'Scheduled' (entry 1012645 - but not listed) 'High Cross shaft, cross head, and high cross base', said to be of Anglo-Norse origin from cAD950
There are two Commonwealth War Graves. Each related to very different circumstances and services in the armed forces. Corporal Alfred Jerome Vassali served in the Boer War, He remained in the Naval Reserve thereafter and was called up for the Great War. He failed his medical, but being anxious to serve his country, joined the 2nd King Edward's Horse as a Corporal, buried 5th October 1914. 2nd Lieutenant Henry Birkett was killed in a flying accident at Sedgeford, Norfolk. Buried 29th October 1918. Both men are buried in family grave plots. Only the Vassali one has a formal CWG headstone.
East gateway to churchyard independently Grade II listed (entry 1086637). Tombstone, 7 yards to the south of the church porch relating to the Caddy family is Grade II listed (entry 1356117)
Churchyard
Grid reference: SD 103 965
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 is closed for burial by order in council.
The date of the burial closure order is The 'old' and 'new' churchyards are closed for burials. Only the 'modern' churchyard is open.
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 | N/A |
| Solar Thermal Panels | N/A |
| Biomass | N/A |
| Wind Turbine | N/A |
| Air Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ev Charging | N/A |
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
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