Kirkby Lonsdale: St Mary the Virgin

Name:
Kirkby Lonsdale: St Mary the Virgin
Record Type:
Major Parish Church
Church code:
607222
Diocese:
Carlisle
Archdeaconry:
Westmorland & Furness
Parish:
Kirkby Lonsdale

Statutory Designation Information

Listed Building?
This is a Grade I 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 in the following Conservation Area: Kirkby Lonsdale

Heritage At Risk Status

On Heritage At Risk Register?
This church is on the Heritage at Risk Register (data verified 06 Nov 2025)
View more information about this church on the Heritage at Risk website
 

Approximate Date

Approximate Date:
Medieval

Exterior Image

Work in progress - can you help?

Summary Description

Punctuating a characteristic market town silhouette, the squared tower of St Mary’s stands just visible above the rooftops, weathervane and flag of St George striking light and colour against shades of grey. Hidden from the Market Square, contrasting with narrow streets, and located mid-way to the motte, St Mary’s is glimpsed through an iron arch and gates, its picturesque setting holding back town and country for burials and effect; the gazebo celebrates Ruskin’s affirmation of “one of the loveliest scenes in England”, captured by Turner. A large but recumbent rectangular church, it echoes to nine centuries of phased development and unresolved collisions, all somewhat absorbed into a mellowed interior with cathedral-like qualities, directly derived no less from Durham’s incised bold piers. At its core, powerful Norman features; a narrow nave, shouldered by wider later double north and single south aisles, their chronology documented by nationally significant arcades with plain chamfers and capitals of beast and leaf. Jacobean furnishings feel bespoke and appropriate. The Victorian pews impose and, with the chancel iron screen, congest an already busy interior; the stained glass is but a footnote.

Visiting and Facilities

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

Church Website

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

Sources and Further Information

Antiquarian Horological Society (2015) AHS Turret Clock database Unique Number ID: 586 [Digital Archive/Data]
01/10/2005
CWGC (2016) Commonwealth War Graves Commission CWGC Unique File Reference Number: 1972 [Bibliography/Data]
Number of War Graves: 6
Church of England (2021) A Church Near You https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/12378/ [Digital Archive/Index]
View information on worship and access at this church
Church Buildings Council (2019) Church Bells 6 Bells [Archive/Index]
6 Bells