Crosscrake: St Thomas

Name:
Crosscrake: St Thomas
Record Type:
Church
Church code:
607206
Diocese:
Carlisle
Archdeaconry:
Westmorland & Furness
Parish:
St. Thomas, Crosscrake

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

Few churches have suffered similar ignominy of progressive deconstruction of character. The tall central dual-pitch tower that gave the church its particular distinction was reduced in height in 1944 for structural reasons, an action which failed, resulting in complete removal of the tower in 1964, allied to internal re-planning that further diluted the original purity of concept. However, there are consolations: where many churches struggle to find flexible space between the nave and chancel, the crossing-based layout under the former tower is surprisingly spacious for what externally is a chapel. The nave aisles retain their integrity and purpose but parts of the transepts and chancel seem almost surplus, with furnishings looking rather place-less and a curtained-off area across the east gable. A church of contrasts, from Paley & Austin’s ordered attention to detail (the west buttress-mounted bell, porch, aisle windows) to compromise in use.

Visiting and Facilities

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

Church Website

Church Website:
https://www.crosscrake.church

Sources and Further Information

Church of England (2021) A Church Near You https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/12363/ [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~34~34~42926~108947 [Archive/Graphic material]

Gallery

ICBS File Number - 00364

Coverage - 1826

Created by ?NELSON, Anthony: fl. 1822-38 of Carlisle

ICBS (1817-1989) Incorporated Church Building Society Archive https://images.lambethpalacelibrary.org.uk/luna/servlet/detail/LPLIBLPL~34~34~42935~108948 [Archive/Graphic material]

Ground plan

ICBS File Number - 00364

Coverage - 1821

Created by ?NELSON, Anthony: fl. 1822-38 of Carlisle

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