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Click blue numbers on the map to read relevant details. |
OneTHE NAVE, the oldest part of the Church - dating from 1201 the stonework remains substantially as it was built. The pillars are mostly of sandstone but there is some limestone. | |
TwoTHE SANCTUARY - in 1968/9 the altar was brought forward and the organ and choir returned to their 18th century positions at the West End. |
THE OLD SANCTUARY - from this point under the EAST window, notice the beautiful view of the Church and Organ. Note the small brass plate on the sanctuary step with an epitaph commemorating a 16th century vicar.
The low arcading is of Caen stone with pillars of Kendal Fell marble. The sculpture has been moved to the South aisle.
THE STRICKLAND CHAPEL - dates from the 13th century. It is dedicated to Saint Catherine and was the family chapel of the Stricklands of Sizergh Castle, just south of Kendal. The Family Arms can be seen in the window.
Note the tomb and effigy of a small boy (click for picture), and the old tomb without inscription (click for picture).
THE PARR CHAPEL - dating from the 14th Century, this chapel was erected by the Parr family, who inhabited Kendal Castle in the early part of that century. The Family Arms can be seen carved in the ceiling. See also the maiden's head at the apex of the windows. This was the badge of Lady Katherine Parr. The tomb in unpolished black marble is said to be that of her grandfather, Sir William Parr. The four angels carry the symbols of the Crucifixion - cross, crown of thorns, ladder, hammer and nails. A fragment of an anglian cross stands on the window sill and dates from the 9th century.
(click for view of chapel) (click for view of angel) (click for view of 'maiden') (click for view of column figure)
THE SOUTH AISLE - was built in the 14th century to accommodate the Flemish Weavers when they came to start the town's woollen industry.
The Votive Candleholder of ironwork representing the world is of local manufacture after a design seen in Germany.
(click for picture)
THE PULPIT AND LECTERN - are mid 19th century, the former replaced a 'three decker' pulpit which had occupied a pillar further down the Nave.
THE KENDAL COAT OF ARMS - bearing wool hooks (tenterhooks) appears on the mayor's pew at the front of the Nave. These front pews are used by Civic Dignitaries on ceremonial occasions. (click for picture)
SAINT THOMAS-A-BECKETT CHAPEL dates from the 13th century. The modern Altar Frontal was designed and executed by Susan Foster, weaver of Kendal. Pews are 15th century.
(click for view of chapel)
THE BELLINGHAM CHAPEL - built in the early 16th century by Sir Roger Bellingham was originally complete in itself. Sir Roger's and Lady Margaret's tomb can be seen, with brasses replacing the originals stolen in the 17th century.(click for epitaph) The brass effigy on the wall is original, dated 1577. The chapel is now the Memorial Chapel of the Border Regiment, whose badges can be seen in the windows. The tapestry, depicting adversity, is by Theo Moorman and was inspired by a pillar of rocks at Brimham Rocks in Yorkshire.(click for picture)
The Corona, formerly hung above the Altar, was made in 1968 to the memory of Bernard Gilpin, 'Apostle of the North'.
In the case are displayed the Colours of the 55th (Westmorland) Regiment, from the raising of the Regiment in 1755 until joining with the 34th (Cumberland) Regiment in1881. (click for view of captured Chinese flag)
North of the altar is installed a second organ - the Bevington Organ
A HELMET and SWORD hang high on the North Wall. The helmet probably belonged to Sir Roger Bellingham. A local legend holds that it belonged to 'Robin the Devil', Sir Robert Phillipson of Belle Isle on Windermere, whose house was besieged by Colonel Briggs, a regular worshipper in this Church. This 'Devil' is said to have ridden into Church, searching for his enemy and lost his helmet on the way out. (click for view of helmet and sword)
THE BEVINGTON ORGAN - Our second organ provides a choice according to musical requirements. (click for picture)
THE NORTH AISLE - was completed by the end of the 16th Century. Look at the roof of the aisle and see the beautiful angels carved there when this part of the Church was re-roofed in 1868.
(click for picture)
The sculpture - THE FAMILY OF MAN - is by JOSEPHINE de VASCONCELLOS. The setting is a contemporary Refugee Camp in the Middle East. Huddled together, under an old blanket are Mary, Jesus and three children representing the African, European and Oriental peoples of the world.
(click for picture)
WEST WALL SCREEN - exhibits three boards. The old sign from the 'Ring 0 Bells', a pub on consecrated land shows ringers in position before the tower was raised and a belfry added.
(click for picture)
Note also the Ten Commandments on tin plate. These were formerly in the niches by the East window in the old Sanctuary.
The third board details some of the charitable giving to Church Charities, which still exist today.
THE ORGAN built in 1968/9 by Walkers when the interior alterations were made to the Church. This is the third instrument in a heritage stretching back to early 17th century.
The
tower and bells are overhead.
THE FONT - dates from the 15th century made of black marble. The cover was subscribed to by the 'ladies of the church' and erected in 1898 to the memory of Archdeacon Cooper, a former Vicar.
THE BOOKSTALLS - offer a range of published materials and postcards of the interior. A short history of Kendal Parish Church, a detailed description of the windows and a booklet on Heraldry in the Church and locality, all published by Kendal Parish Church are also available.
On the South Wall, note the memorial with a black marble urn which is for the painter George Romney. (click for picture)
Note also the mutilated memorial to a 17th century judge with fullsome poetry.
THE PORCH - often missed in a quick tour. Note though the list of vicars showing an unbroken succession from 1190. If you are able to join us for a service you will be made most welcome and will thereby share with us for a short moment, something of that continuity.
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