All Saints Church, Watermillock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids All Saints Church, Watermillock |
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All Saints Church, Watermillock
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| 54°35′55″N 2°52′53″W / 54.59874°N 2.88125°W | |
| Location | Watermillock, Cumbria |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | All Saints' Day |
| Consecrated | 6 January 1882 |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed |
| Architect(s) | C. J. Ferguson |
| Completed | 1881 |
| Construction cost | £2,050 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Watermillock |
| Deanery | Penrith |
| Archdeaconry | Carlisle |
| Diocese | Diocese of Carlisle |
| Province | York |
All Saints Church is a beautiful old church located in the small village of Watermillock, Cumbria. It's a Grade II listed building, which means it's considered very important historically. This church is part of the Church of England and serves the people living in Watermillock and the nearby areas along the northern shore of Ullswater.
Contents
A Look Back: The History of All Saints Church
The story of All Saints Church goes back a long time, with different buildings standing on or near this spot over the centuries.
The First Church and Its Fate
The very first church for the community was built way back in the 13th century. It was located closer to the shore of Ullswater. Sadly, in the 15th century, Scottish raiders attacked and burned this church down.
A New Beginning: The 1558 Church
After the first church was destroyed, a new one was built on the spot where the current church stands today. This new building was officially opened, or consecrated, in 1558 by Owen Oglethorpe. By 1880, this church was described as quite simple. It was whitewashed inside and out, and its walls were green with damp. It had a gallery, but no organ, and no proper chancel or stained glass windows.
Building the Church We See Today
In 1881, the old church from the Tudor era was taken down. In its place, the current All Saints Church was built. It was constructed using strong slate and beautiful red sandstone. The main part of the church, called the nave, stands on the foundations of the older building. However, the chancel, which is the area near the altar, was a new addition.
In 1884, the church tower was rebuilt to make it taller, giving it the height you see now. The chancel was built to remember Reverend David Pritchard, who was the church's rector from 1876 to 1880.
Inside the Church: Special Features
Many parts of the church's interior have been added or updated over the years:
- The reredos, which is a decorative screen behind the altar, was put in place in 1934. It was added in memory of Mr T.E. Forster.
- The church's organ was made in 1888 by a company called Wilkinson in Kendal.
- The choir stalls, the pulpit (where sermons are given), the pews (church benches), and the screen at the west end of the church all date back to 1881, when the current building was constructed.
- The communion table, which is used during church services, was made more recently, in 1970.
Remembering Important People
The church also holds special memorials:
- In 1889, the Spring Rice Window was installed. This beautiful window remembers Lady Farrer, whose maiden name was Evelyn Mary Spring Rice. She was born in Watermillock.
- Inside the church, you can also find stone memorials dedicated to Sir Cecil Spring Rice and his brother, Lt. Gerald Spring Rice.
See also
- Listed buildings in Matterdale
