Whicham: St Mary

Name:
Whicham: St Mary
Record Type:
Church
Church code:
607303
Diocese:
Carlisle
Archdeaconry:
West cumberland
Parish:
The Black Combe Churches

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 in the following National Park: Lake District 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 607303 Whicham St Mary
Caption:
Exterior image of 607303 Whicham St Mary
Description:
Photograph of the exterior of St Mary church Whicham taken 28 February 2006
Year / Date:
2006
Copyright:
Andrew Hill
Originator:
Andrew Hill

Summary Description

Originally a simple medieval church dating from the 12th century, the building was predictably "restored" by the Victorians in 1858. Built on a low mound, this is considered archaeologically significant by a local historian and is mentioned in the church history booklet. Evidence of the medieval church can still be found; there is a single chamfered Norman arch to the south doorway. The font, of St Bees sandstone, is also early and was desecrated by Cromwell's soldiers who removed the decoration of painted shields. The medieval structure was a single space but during the Victorian restoration the vestry, north transept and porch were added and the roof was raised with the introduction of queen post trusses. There was a doorway on the south east and this was also blocked up but it can still be seen in the exterior wall. Gifts to the church, as one would expect, have occurred over many centuries and include the Cup and Cover Paten of 1628 which is still in use. More recently a Victoria Cross was donated by its owner, a local man called Tom Mayson and a replica, for security reasons, is displayed in the church. Internally the original gas lamps are also of interest.

Visiting and Facilities

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

Church Website

Church Website:
Work in progress - can you help?

Sources and Further Information

Andrew Hill (2006) Exterior image of 607303 Whicham St Mary [Digital Archive/Graphic material]
Exterior image of 607303 Whicham St Mary
CWGC (2016) Commonwealth War Graves Commission CWGC Unique File Reference Number: 2019 [Bibliography/Data]
Number of War Graves: 7
Church of England (2021) A Church Near You https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/12468/ [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~34~34~147987~120617 [Archive/Graphic material]

Ground plan, Elevation and Section

ICBS File Number - 10264

Coverage - 1901

Created by AUSTIN (HENRY) & PALEY (HARRY ANDERSON)

ICBS (1817-1989) Incorporated Church Building Society Archive https://images.lambethpalacelibrary.org.uk/luna/servlet/detail/LPLIBLPL~34~34~147997~120618 [Archive/Graphic material]

Ground plan and Elevation

ICBS File Number - 10264

Coverage - 1900

Created by AUSTIN (HENRY) & PALEY (HARRY ANDERSON)

Church Buildings Council (2019) Church Bells 2 Bells [Archive/Index]
2 Bells