St Mungo's Church, Bromfield facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Mungo's Church, Bromfield
St Mungo's Church, Bromfield, from the south
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OS grid reference	NY 175 470
Location	Bromfield, Cumbria
Country	England
Denomination	Anglican
History
Status	Parish church
Dedication	Saint Mungo
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Heritage designation	Grade I
Designated	11 April 1967
Architectural type	Church
Style	Norman, Gothic
Specifications
Materials	Sandstone rubble Sandstone slate roof
Administration
Parish	Bromfield
Deanery	Solway
Archdeaconry	West Cumberland
Diocese	Carlisle
Province	York

St Mungo's Church is a really old and interesting church located in the village of Bromfield, which is in Cumbria, England. It's still an active church today, meaning people go there for services and events. It's part of the Anglican church, which is the main Christian church in England. This church is so special that it's been given a "Grade I listed building" status. This means it's considered a building of exceptional historical and architectural importance.

What is the History of St Mungo's Church?

This church has been around for a very long time! It was first built in the 12th century, which is over 800 years ago. Over the next two centuries, new parts were added and changes were made.

When Was the Church Restored?

Like many old buildings, St Mungo's Church has been repaired and updated over the years. These updates are called "restorations." The church had big restoration projects in 1861–62, 1893–94, and again in 1926. These projects helped keep the church in good condition for future generations.

Who Was Saint Mungo?

The church is named after a very old saint called Saint Mungo. He was also known as Kentigern and lived way back in the 6th century. He is an important figure in the history of Christianity in Scotland and northern England.

What Does St Mungo's Church Look Like?

St Mungo's Church is built from red sandstone pieces, which are like small, rough stones. The roof is made of sandstone slate. The church has pointed tops on its walls called gables, and on these gables, you can see decorative stone crosses called "finials."

What Are the Main Parts of the Church?

The church has a main open area called a "nave," which is where the people sit. It has a side section on the north called an "aisle." There's also a porch at the south entrance and a small room on the north side called a "vestry," often used for changing robes. The front part of the church, where the altar is, is called the "chancel." It has smaller chapels on its sides. There's even a small building attached that used to store a hearse (a vehicle for funerals).

What Are the Special Features of the Exterior?

On the west end of the church, there's a twin "bellcote," which is a small structure holding two bells. On the east end, there's another bellcote for the "angelus bell," which is rung at certain times of the day.

If you look at the porch, you'll see a re-set doorway from the Norman period. This means it's very old and has cool zigzag carvings. On the east wall of the nave, near the chancel, there are parts of an old Norman "frieze" (a decorative band) with special cross patterns.

The church used to have "transepts," which are parts that stick out like the arms of a cross. Because of later additions, these transepts are now closer to the chancel. One of the chapels, the south chapel, was once a private prayer room. It's now a special memorial called St George's Chapel, dedicated to those who died in the First World War. This chapel is also known as the Crookdake Chapel and has a very old grave slab for Adam Crookdake, who died in 1304.

What Can You See Inside the Church?

Inside, you'll find a font (a basin for baptisms) that also dates back to the 12th century. It sits on a six-sided base. In the south wall, there's a "piscina," which is a small basin used for washing sacred vessels. There are also "aumbries," which are small cupboards, on each side of the altar.

The wooden pews (benches), the rail around the altar, and the screen behind the altar were all added in the 19th century. The church also has an 18th-century Royal coat of arms on display. On the walls, you can see memorial plaques from the 18th and 19th centuries, remembering people from the past. Inside the porch, there are pieces of a medieval cross and old grave slabs.

What Else is Around St Mungo's Church?

Bromfield War Memorial

In the churchyard, there's a special memorial called the Bromfield War Memorial. It remembers 14 local people who died fighting in the First World War and one person who died in the Second World War. This memorial was first shown to the public on May 17, 1920, and is also a "Grade II listed" structure, meaning it's historically important.

St Mungo's Holy Well

To the north of the church, there's a "holy well" also dedicated to Saint Mungo. A holy well is a natural spring or well that has been important for religious reasons for a long time. Over this well, there's a round sandstone structure with a cone-shaped stone top, built in 1878. This well is also listed as Grade II, showing its historical value.

See also

• Grade I listed churches in Cumbria
• Listed buildings in Bromfield, Cumbria