Cartmel Priory
- About the place
- Visitors information
History
This beautiful old church which dominates the small village of Cartmel, near Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria is said by Simon Jenkins in ‘England’s Thousand Best Churches’, published by Penguin to be “the most beautiful church in the north-west”.
Founded as a priory for ‘the regular canons of St. Augustine’, this church has been a focus for Christian worship for more than 800 years. It continues to serve as a centre for the local community and for the 60,000 pilgrims and tourists who visit us each year.
Architecture
There are many features of special interest, both outside and inside the church: the unique square belfry tower constructed diagonally across the original lantern tower; the remnants of stained glass in the great east window and the seats and Misericord benches of the choir stalls, all from the early 15th century; the Piper Choir with its early English pointed arch and groined roof; the Town Choir which is dedicated to St Michael and was set aside by the canons for the lay people of Cartmel; the wonderful sculptures by Josefina de Vasconcellos.