Murton-cum-Hilton : St John the Baptist

Name:
Murton-cum-Hilton : St John the Baptist
Record Type:
Church
Church code:
607005
Diocese:
Carlisle
Archdeaconry:
Carlisle
Parish:
Appleby

Statutory Designation Information

Listed Building?
This is not a Listed Building
Scheduled Monument?
There is no Scheduled Monument within the curtilage or precinct

National Park

The church is not in a National Park

Conservation Area

The church is not in a Conservation Area

Heritage At Risk Status

On Heritage At Risk Register?
This church is not on the Heritage at Risk Register
 

Approximate Date

Approximate Date:
Victorian/Pre-WWI

Exterior Image

Work in progress - can you help?

Summary Description

St. John's is tucked into the rising folds of the Pennines against the dramatic backdrop of the Mell Fell. It is someway from the village and consequently stands in an uncluttered rural landscape. It was built in 1856 in a fairly standard Early English style with hooded lancet windows and angled buttresses at each corner. Bellcote over the west gable is a relatively small and slim rectangular turret decorated by simple elongated pyramid pinnacles- it replaces a taller structure that was dismantled fifty years ago. The interior is a surprise in terms of content and quality. It is dominated by a three tier pulpit, described by Pevsner as "an amazing thing in a church of 1856". Although it probably predates the church, the scrollwork on the staircase looking to be late C18, it is made in pitch pine, a material that was favoured in the C19. The immediate setting of the pulpit suggests that it was part of the original build. Whatever its origins, its designed presence in the mid-C19 church is highly unusual and of considerable note. Another eye-catching feature is the collection of magnificent paraffin lamps fixed onto substantial poles at the end of pews and three wall brackets. The windows are clear glass- it is tempting to believe that it was felt that stained glass could not compete with the magnificent views.

Visiting and Facilities

The church is open for worship.
Work in progress - can you help?
 

Church Website

Church Website:
Work in progress - can you help?

Sources and Further Information

Church of England (2021) A Church Near You https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/12200/ [Digital Archive/Index]
View information on worship and access at this church
Church Buildings Council (2019) Church Bells 1 Bell [Archive/Index]
1 Bell