Wetheral Church
Religious Place Wetheral Cumbria

Wetheral Church

Religious Place In Wetheral, Cumbria

A 16th Century Church with links to the now demolished Wetheral Priory.

The story of Wetheral Church begins long before the red sandstone building we see today. Evidence suggests that a church existed on the site as early as the 11th century, closely associated with the nearby Wetheral Priory.

The Norman Conquest of 1066 brought significant changes to England, and Wetheral was no exception. In the late 11th or early 12th century, Ranulf Meschin, the first Norman Lord of Cumberland, granted the manor of Wetheral to the Abbot of St Mary's, York. This led to the establishment of Wetheral Priory, a Benedictine cell dependent on the larger York Abbey. The church at Wetheral thus became closely linked to the priory, serving as a place of worship for both the monks and the local populace.

Wetheral Priory flourished for nearly five centuries, playing a vital role in the religious and social life of the region. Although never a large or fully independent house, the priory provided hospitality to travellers, including royalty, and offered sanctuary to those seeking refuge. The monks of Wetheral Priory were responsible for the construction and maintenance of the church, and it is during this period that the foundations of the present building were laid.

The 13th century saw the construction of the red sandstone church, which forms the core of the current structure. This medieval church would have consisted of a nave, chancel, and possibly a tower. The architecture of this period, known as Early English Gothic, is characterised by pointed arches, lancet windows, and a sense of verticality. While much of the church was rebuilt in later centuries, traces of this 13th-century work can still be seen in certain parts of the building, particularly in the nave and the south aisle.

The priory's fortunes, however, took a dramatic turn in the 16th century with the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII. In 1538, the last prior of Wetheral, Ralf Hartley, surrendered the priory to the Crown. The monastic buildings were subsequently demolished, and their materials were used for other purposes. Only the gatehouse of the priory remains today, a poignant reminder of the once-thriving monastic community.

Despite the dissolution of the priory, the church at Wetheral survived. Over the centuries, it underwent several transformations, reflecting the changing architectural styles and the evolving needs of the parish. The early 16th century saw significant rebuilding, particularly in the nave, which was heightened and refurbished. The church also acquired new features, such as the south porch and the chapel.

The 18th century brought further alterations, including the construction of a square tower in 1790. This tower, however, proved to be structurally unsound and was later replaced in 1882 with the current octagonal tower, a prominent landmark in the village. The 19th century also witnessed a major restoration of the church, led by the architect Withers. This restoration involved the rebuilding of the chancel and the addition of stained-glass windows, enhancing the beauty and grandeur of the church.

One of the most remarkable features of Wetheral Church is the Howard Mausoleum, located on the north side of the chancel. This neo-Gothic chapel was built in 1791 by Henry Howard of Corby Castle to house a memorial to his wife, Lady Maria Howard, who tragically died in childbirth at the young age of 22.

The center piece of the mausoleum is a stunning white marble sculpture by the renowned sculptor Joseph Nollekens. The sculpture depicts Lady Maria Howard cradling her deceased infant, with a figure of Faith pointing towards the heavens. Nollekens considered this his greatest work, and it is indeed a masterpiece of 18th-century sculpture, conveying a profound sense of grief and loss.

Indeed, one famous visitor to Wetheral Church, the poet William Wordsworth, was so moved by the statue that he felt it worthy of a sonnet:

“Stretched on the dying Mother's lap, lies dead

Her born Babe, dire issue of bright hope!

But Sculpture here, with divinest scope

Of luminous faith, heavenward hath raised that head

So patiently; and through one hand has spread

A touch so tender for the insensate Child.

Earth's lingering love to parting reconciled.

Brief parting ~ for the spirit is all but fled;

That we, who contemplate the turns of life

Through this still medium, are consoled and cheered;

Feel with the Mother, think the severed

Wife Is less to be lamented than revered;

And own that Art, triumphant over strife

And pain, hath powers to Eternity endeared.”

You can view the statue through the glazed screen between the chapel and the chancel, though you may be able to see it up close if you attend the Sunday service. Sadly on our visit we couldn't get any good photos, so if you have been able to see it up close we would love to see any photos you have!

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How To Find Wetheral Church

Where Is Wetheral Church?

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Lat / Long

54.881498, -2.8307953

What three words

wimp.reading.spell

Where To Park For Wetheral Church?

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Lat / Long

54.881467, 54.881467

What three words

hydrant.fluffed.forgotten

You can park nearby on the street (The Green), but be careful not to block the road or residents driveways.

Contributed by Andrew Gardner

I love being outdoors, in nature, and experiencing the relaxation it brings. Wandering through the northern countryside seeing unexpected buildings, historic places and occasionally surprised wildlife is one of life's great pleasures.

More Places from Andrew
Andrew Gardner

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Wetheral Church was listed in Religious Place // Cumbria // Wetheral