Gilsland: St Mary Magdalene

Name:
Gilsland: St Mary Magdalene
Record Type:
Church
Church code:
607050
Diocese:
Carlisle
Archdeaconry:
Carlisle
Parish:
Gilsland

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

North side of church
Caption:
North side of church
Description:
Year / Date:
Copyright:
Originator:
Alison Higgs, churchwarden

Summary Description

The church, the first on the site, was built in 1853/4 through the patronage of George Mounsey who held estates and property throughout the area. The church was then dedicated in 1854. Built some distance from the village on the opposite side of the Irthing Valley, its site was chosen by Mounsey to take advantage of views across the river and on his land. It is a fine example of Gothic Revival designed by James Stewart, who designed the adjacent Gilsland Spa, with a plain exterior and a porch enlivened by carvings of Queen Victoria and Bishop Waldegrove. The interior is bright and light with white plastered walls, white sarking boards and ashlar stonework. The pink sandstone floor injects warmth and colour. The stained glass windows, depicting Mary Magdalene are earlier and set into tall lancet shaped openings on the west gable. An elegant sense of proportion commands the interior design and defines the spaces. The pitch pine pews contrast with the oak chancel furniture.

Visiting and Facilities

The church is open for worship.
There is a church building only - no running water so therefore there are no WC or kitchen facilities.
 

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/12244/ [Digital Archive/Index]
View information on worship and access at this church
Alison Higgs, churchwarden () North side of church [Digital Archive/Graphic material]
North side of church
Alison Higgs, churchwarden () Interior of the church [Digital Archive/Graphic material]
Interior of the church
Church Buildings Council (2019) Church Bells 1 Bell [Archive/Index]
1 Bell