Great Orton: St Giles

Name:
Great Orton: St Giles
Record Type:
Church
Church code:
607100
Diocese:
Carlisle
Archdeaconry:
Carlisle
Parish:
Great Orton: St Giles

Statutory Designation Information

Listed Building?
This is a Grade II* Listed Building
View more information about this Listed Building on the National Heritage List for England web site
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:
Medieval

Exterior Image

Exterior image of 607100 St Giles, Great Orton
Caption:
Exterior image of 607100 St Giles, Great Orton
Description:
Photograph of the exterior of St Giles, Great Orton.
Year / Date:
2010, March 28
Copyright:
John Lord
Originator:
John Lord

Summary Description

St Giles’ Church Great Orton, founded 1098, is the oldest building in the parish and has been a centre of faithful ministry, worship and celebration for the people of Orton for over 900years. It is reputed to have been the first parish church built in Cumberland following the Norman Conquest. and uniquely, is the only church in the Carlisle Diocese dedicated to St Giles. Built of irregular coursed, dressed, grey and red sandstone blocks from Hadrian’s Wall, the Church is of simple design comprising a chancel and nave, the chancel arch and dividing wall are assumed to have been removed at the time of restoration in order to improve the liturgical arrangement. Two wooden beams above the chancel are believed to be original, as are two Norman windows on each side of the sanctuary, but the windows in the nave appear to have been enlarged during the C19th alterations. Externally, traces of marks made by the original masons can be found and internally, the three feet thick walls are of ‘navis’ design representing the shape of a ship, or more biblically ‘The Ark’. The pitched roof is stone flagged over an exposed roof structure. The Church was extended at the west end during the mid 19th century when an adjoining school room was demolished. Following the extension, other internal renovation took place including installation of most of the stained glass windows. The west window is in Arts & Craft style by Campbell, Smith & Co. 1886. A more recent window depicting and dedicated to St. Giles was added in the mid 20th century. The font cover, designed by a previous long serving incumbent was carved by a parishioner and bears a Greek palindrome translated to mean ‘wash not only my feet, but my sins’. Other items carved by the same craftsman are the lectern, and choir stall ends. The porch was added to the north side entrance around the turn of the 20th century. Another doorway on the south side of the chancel provides an alternative means of exit if necessary. The Bellcote(recently restored) at the west end houses a 17” diameter bell dating from 1752, with the names of the two Churchwardens of that time embossed on the rim. The Church is accessed from the north west side through double gates under a metal arch. The gravel driveway provides level access with no steps between the road and the interior of the church. Due to the close proximity of the English/Scottish border, the area has experienced a turbulent history with frequent raids and destruction. It is therefore not surprising that prior to the 17th century, the Church was a natural target and suffered fire at this time. During this time, the original dedication was lost and the Church was dedicated to St. Kentigern(or Mungo). It was not until the late 19th century that a document was found resulting in the original dedication being restored. Currently, there are services twice or three times each month including an Ecumenical service. The wider church community enjoys a variety of other activities and events. Community outreach has successfully been achieved with lunches served at different times during the Church’s year, catering for all of the community and visitors too.

Visiting and Facilities

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

Church Website

Church Website:
http://www.eastsolwaychurches.org/

Sources and Further Information

John Lord (2010, March 28) Exterior image of 607100 St Giles, Great Orton [Digital Archive/Graphic material]
Exterior image of 607100 St Giles, Great Orton
Church of England (2021) A Church Near You https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/12286/ [Digital Archive/Index]
View information on worship and access at this church
ICBS (1817-1989) Incorporated Church Building Society Archive https://images.lambethpalacelibrary.org.uk/luna/servlet/detail/LPLIBLPL~34~34~168207~122695 [Archive/Graphic material]

Perspective

ICBS File Number - 13961

Coverage - 1962

Created by H. Robert

Church Buildings Council (2019) Church Bells 1 Bell [Archive/Index]
1 Bell