St Mary's Church, Whicham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary's Church |
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St Mary's Church from the south
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| OS grid reference | SD 135,827 |
| Location | Whicham, Cumbria |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Website | St Mary, Whicham |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 8 September 1967 |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Norman (?), Gothic, Gothic Revival |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Stone, slate roof |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Whicham |
| Deanery | Calder |
| Archdeaconry | West Cumberland |
| Diocese | Carlisle |
| Province | York |
St Mary's Church is located on the A595 road in Whicham, Cumbria, England. It is an active Anglican church, meaning it belongs to the Church of England. This church is part of the Diocese of Carlisle and works closely with other nearby churches. St Mary's is also recognized as a special historical building, listed as Grade II on the National Heritage List for England.
Contents
History of St Mary's Church
When Was the Church Built?
St Mary's Church is very old, likely built way back in the 1100s. Over the centuries, different parts have been added or changed.
Changes and Restorations
The church's east window was added in the 1600s. In 1858, the church was "restored," which means it was repaired and updated. During this time, the north transept (a part of the church that sticks out) was built. Later, in 1901–1902, architects named Austin and Paley from Lancaster did more work. They fixed and reseated the church, added new rooms called vestries, and put in three new windows in the nave (the main part of the church).
Architecture of St Mary's Church
What Is the Church Made Of?
St Mary's Church is built from stone and has a roof made of slate.
How Is the Church Designed?
The church has a simple layout with a main area called the nave and a chancel (the area around the altar) all in one section. It also has a porch on the south side and a vestry and transept on the north side. On the west end of the church, there's a double bellcote, which is a small structure holding two bells.
Windows and Doors
On the south side, you'll see a tall, narrow window called a lancet window. There are also three windows with two lights (sections) each, featuring decorative stone patterns. The porch leads to a round-arched doorway that is thought to be from the Norman period, making it very old. Both the west and east ends of the church have large windows with three lights. The transept on the north side has two lancet windows.
Inside the Church
Inside, the church has traditional box pews, which are like enclosed seating areas. There's a wooden arcade (a row of arches) between the nave and the north transept. The font, used for baptisms, is shaped like an eight-sided tub. You can also see the royal arms of King George III inside the church.
Stained Glass and Organ
Most of the beautiful stained glass windows were created by an artist named William Wailes. The church also has a pipe organ with one manual (keyboard), which was made around 1890 and later fixed up in 1980.
See also
- Listed buildings in Whicham
- List of ecclesiastical works by Austin and Paley (1895–1914)
