Holy Trinity Church is located in Carwath, Rosley. (Post code CA7 0LU) It was originally built between 1839 and 1841 as a chapel of ease to St Hilda’s Church , Westward. In 1868, Rosley became an independent ecclesiastical (church) parish, and the chapel became Rosley’s parish church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
It is a largely unaltered example of the pattern of church building typical of the 1840’s and retains original wood graining to the numbered box pews, pulpit and the inner entrance doors.
St Hilda’s Church in Westward (Post code CA7 8LZ) was built from 1785 to 1786, on the site of an earlier 16th century church. The Parish Church is Grade 11 listed on the National Heritage List for England.
It is built on a C16th site (Clergy identified back to 1571) The church retains its C18th character externally. The most unusual characteristic of the church is the entrance porch of substantial stone construction which steps in to support a belfry of relatively modest proportions surmounted by a simple, undecorated conical spire of even more modest proportions. Stained glass windows to the west end and south walls are C19th. There is a pair of finely wrought decorative iron gates at the entrance to the churchyard.
St James’ Church, Welton (Post code CA5 7ER) was built in 1873 as a Chapel of Ease in the Parish of St Mary, Sebergham. St James’ was added to Holy Trinity Parish, Rosley after a pastoral reorganisation in 1976.
It is a small C19th church of simple plan with nave and sanctuary in one continuous space and with a porch and belfry at the north west corner. The church does not appear to have been altered in any way and retains the clarity and simplicity of its original design, detailing and use of materials. The churchyard is extensive and only a small part of the available space is currently being used for burials.
St Kentigern’s Church in Castle Sowerby (Post code CA11 0XU) dates from the 12th century, with later alterations and additions. The church was restored in 1821, and again in 1888. The church is in a remote location and is a Grade II* listed building on the National Heritage List for England.
It is a long low church of simple plan. There is considerable historical perspective with the church dating from C12th with alterations and additions in the C13th, C14th, C15th, C17th and with restorations in 1821 and 1888.
The Church is open daily during the day.
St Kentigern’s Church, (or St Mungo’s Church), Caldbeck (Post code CA7 8DP) is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building. It is dedicated to Saint Kentigern, whose alternative name is Saint Mungo; hence the church’s alternative title of Caldbeck, St Mungo.
The earliest fabric of church dates from the 12th and 13th centuries. It was built on the site of a previous church dating from the 6th century.
Close to the church is St Mungo’s well, a holy well where Christians were baptised in the 6th century. In the churchyard is the grave of John Peel, the local huntsman who is the subject of the song D’ye ken John Peel? Also buried in the church yard is Mary Robinson Harrison, also known as the Maid of Buttermere, or the Buttermere Beauty.
The Church is open daily during the day.
St Mary’s Church, Sebergham (Post code CA5 7HP) lies between Carlisle and Penrith, to the west of the M6. There has been a community here since the 12th century when a monk journeying through Inglewood forest decided to settle near the river Caldew. This monk made a clearing in the forest and built a chapel on the spot where now stands St Mary’s church. A church was later built on the site; a tower added in 1825; the whole building was restored in 1880 and again in 1905.
The Church is open daily during the day.