St Mary's Church, Penny Bridge facts for kids

St Mary's Church is a beautiful old church located in Cumbria, England. It sits on a hill overlooking the villages of Penny Bridge and Greenodd. This church is an active Anglican parish church. It is part of the Diocese of Carlisle. The church also works with other nearby churches, including St Andrew in Coniston and Holy Trinity in Colton.

The Story of St Mary's Church

The very first church building on this spot was built before 1786. It was a smaller church, like a "chapel of ease." This meant it was a handy place for people to worship without having to travel all the way to the main Ulverston parish church.

Building a New Church

The first church was made of rough stone. It was a long, low building with a tall tower at the west end. Its windows were rounded at the top. In 1831, a new, larger church was built to replace it.

Adding to the Church

Later, more parts were added to the church. The chancel, which is the part of the church where the altar is, was added between 1855 and 1856. This part was designed by an architect named Miles Thompson.

In 1864 and 1865, the main part of the church, called the nave, was rebuilt. An architect from Lancaster, E. G. Paley, designed this work. A new south aisle was also added. All this work cost about £1,000. Countess Blücher von Wahlstadt paid for these improvements. Around 1890, a transept (a part that sticks out from the main church, making it look like a cross) was added.

The Tower's Journey

The original tower was taken down in 1893. A new tower was built in 1969. This newer tower was designed by an architect named Frearson.

Exploring the Church's Design

St Mary's Church is built from slate stones that are roughly shaped, called "rubble." It has red stone details. The front of the church on the west side is covered in a smooth, rendered finish.

Church Layout

The church has a main area called the nave. It also has a south aisle, which is a passage along the side of the nave. There is a chancel at the east end, where the altar is. A south transept sticks out from the side. The tower is at the northwest corner, and there is a porch at the west entrance.

Special Features

The tower has a unique "saddleback roof," which looks like a saddle. Inside the church, the arches that separate the nave from the aisle are made of brick. The beautifully carved wooden screen behind the altar, called a reredos, was made in 1908.

You can also see a painting inside the church called Descent from the Cross. The colorful stained glass windows were created by an artist named William Wailes. The organ, which has two keyboards (called "manuals"), was built in 1866 by Wilkinson. It was moved to the chancel in 1890. Outside the church, the lychgate (a covered gateway to the churchyard) serves as a memorial for the First World War.