St Cuthbert's Church, Dufton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Cuthbert's Church, Dufton |
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St Cuthbert's Church, Dufton
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| Location | Dufton, Cumbria |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Dufton |
| Deanery | Appleby-in-Westmorland |
| Archdeaconry | Carlisle |
| Diocese | Carlisle |
| Province | York |
St Cuthbert's Church is a historic church located about 1.2 kilometers (3/4 mile) north of the village of Dufton, Cumbria, England. It is an active Anglican church, meaning it belongs to the Church of England. This church is part of a larger group of churches in the area.
The church is found north-west of Dufton village. The name Dufton means 'dove farm'. The church sits below the eastern hills, overlooking the Eden Valley. It is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) north of Appleby and 19 kilometers (12 miles) south-east of Penrith. From the churchyard, you can see beautiful views of Dufton Pike and the Pennine mountains.
Contents
What is the History of St Cuthbert's Church?
Early Beginnings and Name
The old churchyard has a curved shape. This might mean it was built on a very old, possibly Celtic, settlement. A place called 'Old Dufton' on the hill above the village has been identified as a Roman-British site. The first mention of 'the manor of Dufton' was in records from 1176. The church itself was first mentioned in Papal Taxation Records in 1291.
Local stories say the first church was built where monks from Lindisfarne rested. They were carrying the body of St Cuthbert while fleeing from Vikings in 865 or 866. Church records show a rector (a type of priest) was present in 1293. The church was dedicated to St Cuthbert by 1366.
Clues from Old Stones
Some decorative stones used when the church was rebuilt show it existed in the 1100s. These include two round window-heads and two curved stones with zigzag patterns. They are now part of the north and south walls.
Even older stonework can be seen. On the outside, in the south wall of the chancel (the area around the altar), there is a small carved figure. People think this figure might be from Roman times. Also, an old decorated grave slab is set into the east wall of the nave (the main part of the church).
How the Church Looks Inside
The church walls are made of sandstone. The roofs are covered with slate. Inside, the church feels bright and open. There is no arch separating the chancel from the nave. The ceiling is high and curved, with decorative plaster panels. At the west end, there is a wooden gallery and a slim font (a basin for baptisms) underneath it.
Restorations and Changes Over Time
The church has been repaired and updated many times. These restorations happened in 1673, 1784, and 1853. The 1784 work, done by the rector and local people, likely included building the west tower. They also rebuilt the north wall and possibly the upper parts of other walls.
The 1853 restoration largely shaped how the building looks today. In 1946, the roof and the east end were rebuilt. Old stained glass was reused in the new east window. In 1983, some windows on the south side were repaired.
Special Windows and Their Meaning
The windows are a special feature of this church, making the inside very bright. They have clear glass mixed with brightly colored, diamond-shaped panes. These windows are thought to have been made by Faucet of Appleby around 1784. In the center of the east window, there is a dove. This dove represents the Holy Spirit and is shown with flames. It also reminds us that Dufton means 'dove farm'.
Gifts for the Community
Three plaques inside the church describe gifts given to help the poor and uneducated people of Dufton and Knock. One plaque on the north wall of the nave mentions a gift from 1835. This gift provided "six and a half stone loaves of the finest wheaten bread" every Christmas Day. It was given to ten poor widows or householders in Dufton parish and five in Knock township.
Who Was Dufton's Famous Son, John Boste?
Among the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales was John Boste (also known as Boast). He was honored by Pope Paul VI in 1970. A plaque in the church porch remembers him. The Boste family lived in both Penrith and Dufton. Church records show they were christened, married, and buried in both places.
John Boste was born in Dufton in 1543. It is believed he went to Appleby Grammar School. After studying at Queen's College, Oxford, he became a teacher there. At Oxford, John was chosen as a Fellow. This meant he had become a priest in the Protestant Church of England.
However, John later became a Roman Catholic. He trained to be a priest in France. After becoming a priest, he secretly returned to England. He served Catholic people, especially in the north of the country.
John became a wanted man. He was eventually betrayed and arrested. He was taken to the Tower of London. He was charged with treason for entering the country illegally as a Catholic priest and for celebrating Mass. He was tried in Durham and sentenced to be executed on July 24, 1594. He died bravely, holding to his faith.
What is the Architecture of St Cuthbert's Church?
St Cuthbert's Church is built in the Gothic style. This style often features pointed arches, large windows, and tall structures. The church was originally built in the medieval period. It was rebuilt in 1784 and restored in 1853 and again in 1946. It is listed as a Grade II building, which means it is an important historic building.
See also
- Listed buildings in Dufton
Images for kids
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St. Cuthbert's, Dufton
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