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St James’ Church, Staveley
The Parish Church of St James, Staveley - geograph.org.uk - 1024328.jpg
St James’ Church, Staveley
St James’ Church, Staveley is located in Cumbria
St James’ Church, Staveley
St James’ Church, Staveley
Location in Cumbria
54°22′48.74″N 2°49′6.86″W / 54.3802056°N 2.8185722°W / 54.3802056; -2.8185722
Location Staveley, Cumbria
Country England
Denomination Church of England
History
Dedication St James
Consecrated 24 April 1865
Architecture
Heritage designation Grade II listed
Architect(s) J. S. Crowther
Groundbreaking 24 September 1863
Completed 1865
Construction cost £1,500 (equivalent to £104,800 in 2021)
Specifications
Capacity 300 persons
Administration
Parish Staveley
Deanery Windermere
Archdeaconry Westmoreland & Furness
Diocese Carlisle

St James' Church, Staveley is a beautiful parish church located in Staveley, Cumbria, England. It belongs to the Church of England and is considered a special building, known as a Grade II listed building. This means it's important for its history and architecture.

The church is part of a group of churches in the area. These include St Martin's Church in Bowness-on-Windermere, St Anne's Church in Ings, St Cuthbert's Church in Kentmere, Jesus Church in Troutbeck, and St Mary's Church in Windermere.

History of St James' Church

Nave and chancel of St James' Church, Staveley
The inside of St James' Church, showing the nave and chancel

The current St James' Church was built in the 1860s. It replaced a much older church from the 14th century. The old church was located on a different site, and only its tower remains today.

Designing the New Church

The new church was designed by an architect named J. S. Crowther from Manchester. He designed it in a style called Early English. This style was popular for churches and cathedrals in England many centuries ago.

The first stone for the new church was laid on 24 September 1863. This special event was done by General Upton, who was acting for Mrs. Howard, the local Lady of the Manor.

Church Opening and Dedication

The church was officially opened and dedicated on 24 April 1865. This ceremony was performed by the Bishop of Carlisle, Rt Revd Samuel Waldegrave. At that time, the only part still needing to be finished was a small spire on top of the church.

Beautiful Stained Glass

The church has some amazing stained glass windows. The window at the east end of the church is especially famous. It features beautiful glass made by a company called Morris and Co. The designs for this window were created by the famous artist Edward Burne-Jones in 1878. This type of art is known as pre-Raphaelite glass.

The Church Organ

The organ at St James' Church, Staveley
The organ inside St James' Church

St James' Church has a wonderful organ. It was built by Wilkinson and Son, a company from Kendal. The organ was first played on 25 September 1866 by Mr. Smallwood, who was the organist at St George's Church, Kendal. You can find more technical details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register website.

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