St. Cuthbert with St. Mary in the City of Carlisle

The present St. Cuthbert's Church was built for the glory of God and for his service in 1778/1779. It stands on the site of earlier churches, a fact hinted at by surviving fragments of 14th century stained glass and more particularly by its peculiar NE to SW orientation, standing end-on to a Roman road. This suggests a very ancient origin. Its dedication to St. Cuthbert certainly relates to that saint's recorded visits to Carlisle in the years 685 and 686. The earliest church was probably destroyed in the Viking raid on Carlisle in 876 and rebuilt in the following century.

In 1092, St. Cuthbert's Church and parish belonged to a wealthy Norman, Walter the Priest. From him it passed with other lands to King Henry I who in turn granted it to his newly founded cathedral priory of St. Mary as part of its endowment. St. Cuthbert's was probably rebuilt about that time. A fire which destroyed much of the city in 1391 led to a third rebuilding in c.1400.

By 1650 St. Cuthbert's had become the city's Civic Church and the incumbent of St. Cuthbert's remains the ex-officio chaplain to the Charter Trust of the City of Carlisle and Mayor and Councillors attend services each year. There is an extensive programme of musical and cultural events held throughout the year

Victorian era changes included additional stained glass depicting St. Cuthbert's life and a large sliding pulpit. In 1954, the parish of St. Mary was amalgamated with St. Cuthbert's.

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

Church open for guided tours 12.00-16.30

Sunday 13 September:

Eucharist 10.30-11.30 Church open for guided tours 12.00-16.30

Wednesday 16 September:

Eucharist 10.00-10.30 Church open 10.30-16.30 Teas & cakes 13.30-16.30

Friday 18 September:

Church open for guided tours 12.00-16.30 Teas & cakes 13.30-16.30

Saturday 19 September:

Church open for guided tours 12.00-16.30

Sunday 20 September:

Eucharist 10.30-11.30 Eden Brass Quartet concert 15.00-16.00

Location & directions

St Cuthbert with St. Mary, Blackfriars St, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8AQ

Directions:

From Market Square in the city centre proceed along St. Cuthbert's Lane and you will see the church, alternatively from the public car park below West Walls go up the steps to West Walls and follow the signs past the Tithe Barn and the church will be on your left.

Contact on day:

Jeremy Lowry

Telephone number:

+447798897321

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

There is no on-site parking, but West Walls car park 5 minutes walk away up a set of stone steps. Disabled access is limited to the ground level only of the church and vestry.

Additional information

Max number of people:

5

Estimated duration:

0 hour(s) 20 minute(s)

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