The architecture of the Church may be best understood from the
foregoing illustrations, which require little or no description.
The Church was built after the usual cruciform plan, having a nave,
chancel, transept, side aisles and tower. The first historic record
concerning it is in the year 1140, when it was granted to Whitby Abbey.
Previous to this time (if it existed) it would merely be a wooden
structure, which would then be replaced by a stone one built after the
later Norman style of architecture. Part of this original structure
is still to be seen in the massive piers supporting the transept
arches. Then again in the early part of the thirteenth century it has
been partly pulled down and rebuilt in the early English style. Of
this character are the columns and arches of the nave. Similar arches
have also been erected upon the old piers in the transept. The change
is very marked in one instance, where the arch is brought down and
placed upon one of the old low columns, considerably to one side of
the capital. At that time the Church would assume the character which
it still in general retains. The richly moulded doorway belongs to
this period, and also some of the windows, removed when last rebuilt,
one of which is in the Churchyard wall. Towards the end of the same
century the Decorated Style was introduced, to which the two north
windows may be considered to belong. The next style introduced was the
Perpendicular, which prevailed in the fifteenth century till near the
Reformation. To this belongs the east window, which, from being badly
proportioned and not in character with the rest of the architecture,
is somewhat objectionable. To about the same period also belongs the
architecture of the Threlkeld Arch and Chapel. The steeple window is
another specimen of this style, but of a later period. There is a
traditionary record that this tower was built about the same time as
that of Shap Abbey, some time in the latter part of the reign of Henry
VII.
The next most important change in its architectural history was
in 1811. In this and the following year it was in a great measure
rebuilt. The roof of the old church was leaded, and where the present
new chancel arch is, near to the roof, were twelve small round-headed
windows, representing numerically the twelve apostles; these were
entirely removed. Most of the other windows were also taken out and
replaced by the present ones, which are of a character that deservedly
comes under the style The Debased. At this time the embattlements were
removed from the tower, and some elaborate work introduced surmounted
by pinnacles ornamented with crotchet work; many of the buttresses are
also surmounted by similar ones. The porch and chancel doorway were
ornamented with elaborately carved work, which though highly creditable
to those engaged in the good work of remodelling the sacred edifice,
are far from being in accordance with ecclesiastical architecture of
the present day. The interior sittings, pulpit, &c., were refitted at
the same time, and the interior decorated with texts from Scripture,
scroll work, &c., chiefly done by George Gibson, Esq.
Another change in its history took place about 1849, when G. F. Weston
was instituted vicar. He began by having the whitewash and plaster
removed from all the columns and arches, which were re-hewn. At the
expense of himself and friends he built the lofty chancel arch in
place of what was before but temporary woodwork, and another arch
between the north transept and the small chapel belonging to Crosby
Hall. The sittings were rearranged and the handsome seats introduced
in the choir. By the voluntary contribution of landowners, residents,
&c., money was raised for erecting a vestry and heating the Church by
the circulation of hot water; at which time the body of the Church
was somewhat lowered, while the chancel was raised to its proper
proportions. Previous to rebuilding in 1811, it was entered by a
descent of three or four steps, and was then filled up.
The next objects demanding attention are the monuments. The oldest
of these are the Threlkeld tomb and a small incised slab bearing the
Hastings arms before noticed. These are in the small side chapel.
There is also another, lately removed from the Churchyard into it,
having an inscription of a Puritanical character; and from the half
obliterated letters it has been to the memory of Ann Wharton, probably
one of that family resident at Reagill Grange. Long ago a number of
throughstones stood in front of the Church; but these were removed when
it was rebuilt, and the stones used as flags, which, with their half
obliterated inscriptions, may be seen in different parts of the Church.
On one near the doorway may be seen an hour-glass and on another a
small cross, and several others of individuals, who, although their
names may be still engraven on stone, are themselves quite forgot.
Of modern monuments there is a large one in the south transept to
the memory of George Gibson, Esq., of Crosby, erected by public
subscription. It displays a good deal of artistic taste, having affixed
to it three pieces of sculpture in marble, representing the figures
Faith, Hope and Charity.
The pulpit bears record to the memory of John Salkeld, Esq., of Meaburn
Hill; it is tastefully designed in the early English style, and well
executed. The stone is a beautiful sandstone, brought from Hause
Quarry. The window and its masonry is the work of the Rev. G. F.
Weston, in memory of Mary, his first wife. The architecture is very
tasteful, and the colouring of the window rich--in the group, Christ
receiving little children--are to be seen family likenesses.
[Illustration: INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH SHOWING THE THRELKELD TOMB.]
The coloured window in the steeple was lately put up in memory of some
of the Thwaytes family. A number of neat monuments have of late years
been added to the Churchyard, chiefly introduced by the present vicar,
to whom not only are the inhabitants indebted for the neatness and
comfort of the sacred edifice, but for many material good works as well
as spiritual benefits which he has done amongst them; and our earnest
wish is that he may still be induced to dwell among us, and that he may
long live to fulfil his parochial duties.