Church Heritage Record 607100

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Core DetailsLocationBuildingInteriorChurchyardSignificanceEnvironmentForumAudit

Great Orton: St Giles

Name:

This is the church’s legal name as given by the Church Commissioners.

Great Orton: St Giles
Record Type:

A classification of the current status of the building

Church
Church code:

This is a unique identification number supplied to each church building by the Church Commissioners.

607100
Diocese:

Name of diocese in which the church building is located at the time of entry.

Carlisle
Archdeaconry:

Name of archdeaconry in which the church building is located at the time of entry

Carlisle
Parish:

This is the legal name of the parish as given by the Church Commissioners.

Great Orton: St Giles

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Statutory Designation Information

Listed Building?

The decision to put a church building on the National Heritage List for England and assign it a listing grade is made by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. The decision is normally based on recommendations made by Historic England, the government’s adviser on the historic environment.

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?

The decision to schedule a feature (building, monument, archaeological remains, etc.) located within the church building’s precinct or churchyard is made by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. The decision is based on recommendations made by Historic England, the government’s adviser on cultural heritage.

There is no Scheduled Monument within the curtilage or precinct

National Park

National Parks are areas of countryside that include villages and towns, which are protected because of their beautiful countryside, wildlife and cultural heritage. In England, National Parks are designated by Natural England, the government’s advisor on the natural environment.

The church is not in a National Park

Conservation Area

Conservation areas are places of special architectural or historic interest where it is desirable to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of such areas. Conservation Areas are designated by the Local Council.

The church is not in a Conservation Area

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Heritage At Risk Status

On Heritage At Risk Register?

The Heritage at Risk programme is run and managed by Historic England, the government’s advisor on cultural heritage. It aims to protect and manage the historic environment, so that the number of ‘at risk’ historic places and sites across England are reduced.

This church is not on the Heritage at Risk Register
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Approximate Date

Approximate Date:

Selecting a single date for the construction of a church building can sometimes be very difficult as most CoE buildings have seen many phases of development over time. The CHR allows you to record a time period rather than a specific date.

The CHR records the time period for the building’s predominant fabric as opposed to the date of the earliest fabric or the church’s foundation date.

Medieval

Exterior Image

Exterior image of 607100 St Giles, Great Orton
Caption:

603242 

Exterior image of 607100 St Giles, Great Orton
Description:

It seems to be the wrong photograph. Provided coordinates come up with another church on geograph.org.uk

Photograph of the exterior of St Giles, Great Orton.
Year / Date:

2011, April 06

2010, March 28
Copyright:

Keltek Trust

John Lord
Originator:

Keltek Trust

John Lord

Summary Description

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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

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The church is open for worship.
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Church Website

Church Website:

www.holytrinitylyonsdown.org.uk

http://www.eastsolwaychurches.org/

Sources and Further Information

Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
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

If you notice any errors with the below outlines of your connected churchyards, please email heritageonline@churchofengland.org with the corrections needed.

This could include information on new churchyards, edits to the boundaries shown, or different land characteristics. 

We are working on adding the consecrated land found within local authority cemeteries, and in time, this data will be shown on the map.

Grid Reference: NY 328 542

To zoom into an area hold the SHIFT key down then click and drag a rectangle.

Administrative Area

County:

The administrative area within which the church is located.

Cumbria County

Location and Setting

This field describes the setting of the church building, i.e. the surroundings in which the church building is experienced, and whether or not it makes a positive or negative contribution to the significance of the building.

St Giles’ Church Great Orton, founded 1098, now a Grade 11* Listed Building is reputed to have been the first church built in Cumberland following the Norman Conquest and is the only church in Carlisle Diocese dedicated to St Giles. Built of sandstone blocks from Hadrian’s Wall, the church is of simple design with chancel and nave. Two beams above the chancel and two Norman windows in the sanctuary may be original. Externally, marks made by the original masons can be found. Internally, the three feet thick walls are of ‘navis’ design representing a ship or ‘The Ark’.

The single bell is dated 1752. An extension and refurbishments took place in the late 1880s.  Other items and stained glass windows added during the 19th century are of special interest.

Over the centuries, the church has been through turbulent times, due to its close proximity to the Scottish border. Because of this, little written history is available, except for church records, which are almost complete from1538. Although dedicated to St. Giles, the church was for a while dedicated to St Kentigern until the late 19th century, when the original dedication was restored.

The Church is usually open all year round. Visitors of all faiths or none are welcome for prayer or to discover more about our local history or heritage. Access is from the main road through the village, along a level driveway with no steps between the road and the interior of the church. There is an adjacent car park.

Situated prominently at the Northern end of the village.

Latitude: 54.878920
Longitude: -3.048396

Deanery: Carlisle, Benefice: Barony of Burgh

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: No

Carlisle Diocese Code: 2031

Church Plan

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Ground Plan Description and Dimensions

Ground Plan

Provide as written description of the ground plan of the church building and well as its dimensions.

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Dimensions

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Footprint of Church buildings (m2):

Small (<199m2)

Medium (200-599m2)

Large (600m-999m2)

Very Large (>1000m2)

183 m2

Description of Archaeology and History

This field aims to record the archaeological potential of the wider area around the building and churchyard, as well as the history of site.

To come

Exterior Description

This field aims to record a written description of the exterior of the church building and the churchyard.

War Memorial remembering all those from the parish who fell serving their country and records the name, rank and regiment, together with the date and location of death.

Architects, Artists and Associated People/Organisations

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Who:
Johnston & Wright
Role:
Architect / Surveyor ICM55
From:
To:
06 Mar 2024
Contribution:
Who:
Alastair McGregor
Role:
Architect / Surveyor ICM55
From:
06 Mar 2024
To:
Contribution:

Building Fabric and Features

This field is an index of the building and its major components

Work in progress - can you help?

Building Materials

This field is an index of the building’s material composition

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Interior Image

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Interior Description

This field aims to record a written description of the interior of the church building.

Work in progress - can you help?

Internal Fixtures and Fittings

This field is an index of the building’s internal, architectural components. This includes its internal spaces and those areas’ fixtures and fittings (building components which are securely fixed to the church or cathedral).

Skip Navigation Links.
Collapse Internal Fixtures and FittingsInternal Fixtures and Fittings
BELL (1 of 1)

Portable Furnishings and Artworks

This field is an index of the building’s movable, non-fixed furnishings and artworks.

Work in progress - can you help?

If you notice any errors with the below outlines of your connected churchyards, please email heritageonline@churchofengland.org with the corrections needed.

This could include information on new churchyards, edits to the boundaries shown, or different land characteristics. 

We are working on adding the consecrated land found within local authority cemeteries, and in time, this data will be shown on the map.

Grid Reference: NY 328 542

To zoom into an area hold the SHIFT key down then click and drag a rectangle.

Ecology

This field aims to record a description of the ecology of the churchyard and surrounding setting.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust survey (01/08/2010) found 26 plant species. For a full species list, use this link; https://www.dropbox.com/s/di297por9usi98f/Great%20Orton%20St%20Giles.xlsx?dl=0

Ecological Designations

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The everyday wildlife of burial grounds means much to those who visit and cherish them but many burial grounds are so rich in wildlife that they should be designated and specially protected. Few have the legal protection of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or, in the case of local authority owned cemeteries, Local Nature Reserve. This makes it even more important that they are cared for and protected by the people looking after them.

Many have a non-statutory designation as a recognition of their importance. These non-statutory designations have a variety of names in different regions including Local Wildlife Site, County Wildlife Site, Site of Importance for Nature Conservation or Site of Nature Conservation Importance (Local Wildlife Site is the most common name). Their selection is based on records of the most important, distinctive and threatened species and habitats within a national, regional and local context. This makes them some of our most valuable wildlife areas.

For example, many burial grounds which are designated as Local Wildlife Sites contain species-rich meadow, rich in wildflowers, native grasses and grassland fungi managed by only occasional mowing plus raking. When this is the case, many animals may be present too, insects, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. This type of grassland was once widespread and has been almost entirely lost from the UK with approximately 3% remaining, so burial grounds with species-rich meadow managed in this way are extremely important for wildlife.

These designations should be considered when planning management or change.

If you think that this or any other burial ground should be designated please contact Caring for God’s Acre (info@cfga.org.uk) to discuss. Many eligible sites have not yet received a designation and can be surveyed and then submitted for consideration.

There are no SSSIs within the curtilage of this Church.

There are no Local nature reserves within the curtilage of this Church.

There are no Local Wildlife sites within the curtilage of this Church.

Evidence of the Presence of Bats

This field aims to record any evidence of the presence of bats in the church building or churchyard.

The church has no evidence of bats

Burial and War Grave Information

This field records basic information about the presence of a churchyard and its use as a burial ground.

The church/building is consecrated.
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The churchyard has been used for burial.
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The churchyard is used for burial.
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The churchyard is not closed for burial.
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The churchyard does not have war graves.

National Heritage List for England Designations

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There are no Scheduled Monuments within the curtilage of this Church.

Designation TypeNameGrade  
Listed Building Great Orton War Memorial II View more

Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees

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Churchyards are home to fantastic trees, in particular ancient and veteran trees which can be the oldest indication of a sacred space and be features of extraordinary individuality. The UK holds a globally important population of ancient and veteran yew trees of which three-quarters are found in the churchyards of England and Wales.

There are more than 1,000 ancient and veteran yews aged at least 500 years in these churchyards.

To put this in context, the only other part of western Europe with a known significant yew population is Normandy in northern France, where more than 100 ancient or veteran churchyard yews have been recorded.

Burial grounds may contain veteran and ancient trees of other species such as sweet chestnut or small-leaved lime which, whilst maybe not so old as the yews, are still important for wildlife and may be home to many other species.

Specialist advice is needed when managing these wonderful trees. For more information or to seek advice please contact Caring for God’s Acre, The Ancient Yew Group and The Woodland Trust.

If you know of an ancient or veteran tree in a burial ground that is not listed here please contact Caring for God’s Acre.

There are currently no Ancient, Veteran or Notable trees connected to this Church

Churchyard Structures

This field is an index of the churchyard’s components.

Work in progress - can you help?

Significance

Setting Significance Level:

Significance is the whole set of reasons why people value a church, whether as a place for worship and mission, as an historic building that is part of the national heritage, as a focus for the local community, as a familiar landmark or for any other reasons.

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Setting Significance Description:
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Fabric Significance Level:
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Fabric Significance Description:
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C12
Interior Significance Level:
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Interior Significance Description:
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Community Significance Level:
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Community Significance Description:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
Regular Sunday services and other events, e.g. occasional concerts. The Church is open all year round. We have welcomed many visitors, local, national and from overseas. We are also part of the Solway Faith Trail. As well as being available to all parishioners we believe that the church should be open and accessible to visitors of all faiths or none, from near or far who want to use the building for prayer, or discover more about our local history and heritage. Everyone is welcome.

Church Renewables

Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
Open the map of church renewable installations
Solar PV Panels:

This information forms part of the Shrinking the Footprint project.

No
Solar Thermal Panels:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
No
Bio Mass:
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No
Air Source Heat Pump:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
No
Ground Source Heat Pump:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
No
Wind Turbine:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
No
EV Car Charging:
Missing help text - to be added by an administrator
No

Species Summary

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All of the species listed below have been recorded in close proximity to the Church . A few species which are particularly threatened and affected by disturbance may not be listed here because their exact location cannot be shared.

NOTE: Be aware that this dataset is growing, and the species totals may change once the National Biodiversity Network has added further records. Species may be present but not recorded and still await discovery.

CategoryTotal species recorded to date
TOTAL NUMBER OF SPECIES RECORDED 0
Total number of animal species 0
Total number of plant species 0
Total number of mammal species 0
Total number of birds 0
Total number of amphibian and reptile species 0
Total number of invertebrate species 0
Total number of fungi species 0
Total number of mosses and liverworts (bryophytes) 0
Total number of ferns 0
Total number of flowering plants 0
Total number of Gymnosperm and Ginkgo 0

Caring for God’s Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.

To learn more about all of the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.

‘Seek Advice’ Species

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If any of the following species have been seen close to the Church, it is important to seek advice from an expert. You will need to know if they are present now, and to follow expert recommendations when planning works. All of these species have specific legal protection as a recognition of their rarity. All of them are rare or becoming increasingly endangered, so it is important to ensure that management and other works do not adversely affect them. In addition, there may be things you can do to help these special species. N.B. Swift and House Martin do not have specific legal protection but are included, as roof repair works often impact breeding swifts and house martins which is against the law.

This is not a complete list of protected species, there are many more, but these are ones that are more likely to be found. All wild birds, their nests and eggs are also protected by law, as are all bats and veteran trees. In a few cases, species are considered particularly prone to disturbance or destruction by people, so the exact location of where they were recorded is not publicly available but can be requested. These ‘blurred’ records are included here, and the accuracy is to 1km. This means that the species has been recorded in close proximity to the Church, or a maximum of 1km away from it. As these ‘blurred’ species are quite mobile, there is a strong likelihood that they can occur close to the Church. To learn about these special species, use the link provided for each species in the table below

One important species which is not included here is the Peregrine Falcon. This is protected and advice should be sought if peregrines are nesting on a church or cathedral. Peregrine records are ‘blurred’ to 10km, hence the decision not to include records here. Remember too that species not seriously threatened nationally may still be at risk in your region and be sensitive to works. You should check with local experts about this. You may also need to seek advice about invasive species, such as Japanese knotweed and aquatics colonising streams or pools, which can spread in churchyards.

N.B. If a species is not recorded this does not indicate absence. It is always good practice to survey.

No species data found for this record

Caring for God’s Acre can help and support you in looking after the biodiversity present in this special place. If you know that any of these species occur close to the Church and are not recorded here, please contact Caring for God’s Acre with details (info@cfga.org.uk).

To find out more about these and other species recorded against this Church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas.

The church was the centre of many people’s lives and remains a guide to their cares and concerns. Glimpses into those lives have often come down to us in the stories we heard as children or old photographs discovered in tattered shoe boxes. Perhaps your ancestors even made it into local legend following some fantastic event? You can choose to share those memories with others and record them for future generations on this Forum.

Tell us the story of this building through the lives of those who experienced it. Tell us why this church is important to you and your community.

Upload your photographs, share your videos, or compose your story below using a Facebook, Twitter, Google or Disqus account.

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WhoActionWhen
Morven AnsonModified asset data - Modified the Standard Information (Faculty)Wed 06 Mar 2024 14:33:39
Morven AnsonAdded QI inspectionWed 06 Mar 2024 14:33:24
Morven AnsonCreated asset source linkWed 06 Mar 2024 14:33:24
Morven AnsonModified renewableWed 06 Mar 2024 14:32:48
Rosaleen LaneAdded QI inspectionThu 12 Nov 2020 12:48:29
Rosaleen LaneCreated asset source linkThu 12 Nov 2020 12:48:29
Rosaleen LaneModified asset data - Modified the Ecology DescriptionThu 29 Oct 2020 14:05:59
Rosaleen LaneModified asset data - Modified the Location and Setting DescriptionFri 16 Oct 2020 11:15:34
Rosaleen LaneModified asset data - Modified the Significance descriptionMon 24 Feb 2020 09:43:30
Rosaleen LaneModified asset data - Modified the Summary DescriptionMon 24 Feb 2020 09:43:10
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