St James' Church, Hayton facts for kids
St James Church in Hayton, Cumbria, is a busy Anglican church. It is part of the diocese of Carlisle. This church was built in the 1800s and is a central part of the community.
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Where is St James Church?
The village of Hayton is in Cumbria. It is about two miles southwest of the town of Aspatria. Hayton is also half a mile northwest of Prospect. You can find it by following signs from the A596 road. The church is right in the middle of the village. It sits on the south side of the village green.
History and Design of the Church
A New Church for Hayton
St James Church is named after St James. For a long time, people in Hayton had to go to church in Aspatria. This was a two-mile walk! But in 1868, Hayton became its own church area. This meant it could have its own church. The church was built on land given by Mr. Blackburn. He lived at Hayton Castle.
How the Church Was Built
The church was designed by architects from Manchester. It cost about £1,300 to build. The first stone was laid on May 3, 1865. This was done by F. L. B. Dykes. The church was officially opened on November 5, 1867. This was done by Bishop Waldergrave.
The church's style is a mix of early English and Gothic. It is built using local red sandstone. The roof inside has open wooden beams. The church was made to hold 230 people.
Inside St James Church
The church has a main hall called the nave. It also has a special area for the altar, called the chancel. A beautiful arch connects these two parts. The nave is about 16.6 meters long. The chancel is about 8.4 meters long.
Inside, the church is spacious and well-kept. A lovely wrought iron screen divides the nave from the chancel. This screen was put there to remember Ann Blackburn of Hayton Castle.
There are two beautiful stained glass windows. They let in lots of colorful light.
- The window at the east end shows Jesus going up to heaven. It also remembers Ann Blackburn.
- The west window was put in by Joseph Hetherington. It remembers his wife and three children. This window has three parts. One part shows Christ blessing children. Another shows him in the house of Simon the Leper. The third part shows Christ as the Light of the World. It also shows him as the Good Shepherd.
There is another window with two parts. It shows Jesus carrying the cross and the crucifixion. This window was put in by friends and church members. It remembers Thomas Thwaites, who was the first rector of Hayton.
Special Features
- The lectern is shaped like an eagle. It was a gift from Mrs. Todd.
- The wooden pulpit on the north side was carved by hand.
- A special decorative screen behind the altar, called a reredos, was added in 1875. It remembers John Atkinson. He was a church leader who helped get the church built.
- The font is very old, over 800 years old! It used to be in the chapel at Hayton Castle.
- The pipe organ was put in as a war memorial.
- The rectory, which was the priest's house, was a gift from the Bishop of Carlisle. It is now a private home.
St James Church Today
Today, St James Church still holds Sunday services. It also has many social events. The church council brings together members from different parishes. They work together on activities. These include meetings for the Mothers' Union and study groups. The church also has good connections with the local primary school in Oughterside.
