Diameter: 18.63" Bell 1 of 1
1800
Dove Bell ID: 62788 Tower ID: 25057 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Wythburn
Overview
Grid reference: NY 324 135
A 1640s church on the site of an earlier church (1554?). Restored in 1740 and bee-hive apse, south vestry, west window and bellcote, all added in 1872. Much of its farming and mining community was removed by the local inundation of the Thirlmere Reservoir, but the church yard did receive the bodies of the men who died during the project. Very friendly and attractive in its character and setting. Still has an active link with the reservoir and water company.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Guidebook available Visitor parking available
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Nave and apsed chancel, south vestry.
Dimensions:
approx 44ft (13.4m) x 16 ft (4.8m)
Footprint of Church buildings: 114 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
Although there was an earlier chapel here in 1554 the building as it stands today dates from 1640; there was a restoration 100 years later and the west wall, south vestry and apsed chancel were added later still in 1872. This long and complex history means that the church building and site are of considerable interest and archaeological potential, and the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) should be consulted before any development of this building or site is considered.
Exterior Description
This small church has an endearing charm and is set in beautiful surroundings by the side of Thirlmere reservoir. The oldest part of the building is the low white nave of three bays; it has a continuous graduated greenslate roof and each bay has a rectangular opening with 20th century 2-light casement windows. The west wall of much later Victorian date is surmounted by an open belcote and has a group of three stepped lancets with strong individual hoodmoulds.
The apsed vestry is clearly a later addition and steps up from the nave and finishes close to the edge of the churchyard which rises into a grassy bank. The chancel has three single lancets around the eastern curve, another on the northern side and the adjoining vestry to the south which itself has two lancets in the southern elevation.
The guttering along the north and south nave walls is supported by scrolled iron brackets. On the south wall there is a stone drip course which the windows break and rise above, indicating that the windows are likely to have been enlarged at some point.
The only entrance to the church is at the north west corner through a square doorway with a 20th-century studded plank door.
Building Fabric and Features
Stained Glass
1888
West window group of three stepped and pointed lancets, (l-r) St Cuthbert. Christ in Glory. St Herbert (a local 7th century saint who brought Christianity to the area). Erected to the memory of Rev B R Lawson, Vicar, a token of love and esteem, from many friends and parishioners.
Stained Glass
1906
Chancel north, round-headed lancet. St David, by Hugh Arnold.
Stained Glass
1892
Chancel east, round-headed lancet. Christ the good shepherd, by Henry Holiday. In memory of Basil R Lawson 1892.
Stained Glass
1906
Chancel south, roundheaded lancet. St Peter, by Hugh Arnold.
Nave
17th century
Chancel
19th century apsed
Vestry
19th century south
Building Materials
Slate
19th century coursed walls & Westmorland green roofs
Sandstone
19th century dressings
Slate
17th century on boulder foundations
Render
18th century to nave
Interior
Interior Description
The interior is dim and the only lights are gas mantles along the nave wall. The font is positioned behind the door at the west end.
The roof of the nave consists of three original oak trusses with a lower tie beam with struts. The conical chancel roof has rafters tied to the wall plate and gathered at the apex. The floors are mostly covered by carpet but under this the nave is laid with large slate slabs and the chancel with terracotta quarry tiles with a painted finish.
The chancel arch is round-headed and wide. There is a single step up into the chancel and another to the sanctuary area. The vestry adjoins the chancel to the south through a further round-headed arch.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
19th century Of oak with panelled front each decorated with a circular design, of a piece with the chancel rail, and clergy desk and seat. Brass inlaid along the back and inscribed with Holy Holy Holy.
Reredos
19th century No reredos but a corresponding brass inscription curving over the lancet window reading Gloria in Excelsis.
Pulpit
19th century Square Victorian pitch pine pulpit with simple panelling and triple openings to the sides. Raised on legs with extra arches in between.
Lectern
19th century Oak lectern with decorative carved banding to the front. Detail at base of column which terminates with four miniature buttresses with gablet tops creating a cross footprint; of a piece with the chancel screen.
Font (component)
19th century Simple octagonal bowl and stem raised on two square plinths, of fine grained buff sandstone.
Organ (component)
20th century Single manual harmonium by R F Stevens of London. To the Glory of God, in loving memory of Mary Alice Glover of Brookfield Birkdale, a devoted lover of Wythburn Church, Easter 1918.
Screen
20th century Wooden chancel screen with gates. Dedicated by Parishioners and friends in affectionate memory of the Revd Winfried Des Voeux Hill BA. Vicar of Wythburn 1892-1923.
Plaque (component)
20th century • World War I stone plaque on south wall opposite entrance. In loving memory of Pte J. Sandham 8th Batt: Border Regt, killed in action at Mouquet Farm 21st October 1916 aged 20 years. Also of Pte A. Bell 11th Batt: Border Regt, killed in action at Beaumont Hamel 18th November 1916 aged 37 years. “Soldier rest: the warfare o’er” • Framed World War II roll of honour below plaque described above.
Bells
Churchyard
Grid reference: NY 324 135
Burial and War Grave Information
The church/building is consecrated.
The churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
The churchyard is closed for burial by order in council.
The date of the burial closure order is 23/06/1938
It is unknown whether 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.
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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