Welcome to Crosthwaite Parish Church, Keswick

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• The Font, to the left upon entering the church by the porch, is one of the most remarkable objects in the church and its elaborate carving dating from 1395, commemorating Sir Thomas of Eskhead, a Vicar of Crosthwaite. See the list of clergy on the North wall, west end and therefore the association with ‘Fletcher Christian’ the Vicar's nephew.

 

 

• The Plaque near the font is dedicated to Canon Rawnsley who was Vicar for thirty-four years from 1883. Canon Rawnsley was co-founder of the National Trust and instigator of a number of "activities" in Keswick. Mrs. Rawnsley founded Keswick Society of Industrial Arts and designed the church main gates together with the brass work on the reredos and indeed many other artefacts..

 

 

• The bell chamber with bell-ropes for a peel of eight, of which the heaviest weighs over 16cwt., may be viewed through the glazed screen. Note the balcony where the clock mechanism is located and the ' loft ladder ' from the bell platform that is descended once a week by the clock winder. There are some interesting inscriptions on "boards" hanging on the walls of the bell chamber.

 

 

• The organ was made by Bishop's of London, 1837. It was enlarged by Jardines of Manchester and then rebuilt and installed as a War memorial in 1920. The console was moved from under the organ to its present position in 1980, in order to make room for a reception area and for the convenience of the Organist who could neither hear the sound properly nor see the Choir. Recent upgrading has modernised key-board operation and further improved this very fine organ.

 

 

• The main door, with its ancient oak batten that acts as a door lock and retracts into a hole in the door jamb. The outer porch doors are recent.

 

 

• The Tower Clock outside the church on the south side, dates from about 1720, and only has an ‘Hour Hand’. There is also an ancient sun-dial on the south wall that still works—when the sun shines.

We hope you have enjoyed your ‘virtual visit’ to Crosthwaite Church,

may the Peace of God go with you.