St Kentigern

EXTERIOR: Mainly in Tudor-Gothic style.

The west doorway is under a C19 shouldered lintel and above it the 4-light window has C19 Perpendicular tracery in a C16 opening.

Windows in the aisle proper are also square-headed, of at least 2 phases in the C15

C16, either with ogee-headed, cusped, or round-headed lights with sunk spandrels.

There are six 2-light windows, in the first bay with wooden mullions, and two C16 3-light windows at the east end, and 2-light east window.

A north doorway, corresponding with the south doorway, is round-headed with continuous moulding, of late C16 or C17 character but a C19 rebuild.

The double-chamfered tower arch dies into the imposts, indicating that there was a tower here before the C16.

The 7-bay arcades have octagonal piers and double-chamfer arches, a dated form if they are as late as the C16.

At the east end of the north aisle are angels at the foot of the principals, indicating the former presence of a chapel.

In the chancel is a re-set piscina under a Tudor head.

There are 9 consecration crosses in the aisle window reveals, of 1523.

PRINCIPAL FIXTURES: The font was made c1395 in commemoration of Sir Thomas of Eskhead.

The C19 pulpit on a C20 stone base is polygonal with linenfold panels.

NY2524 : St Kentigern's Parish Church, Crosthwaite, Keswick, Pulpit

© Alexander P Kapp

The open-arcaded lectern is earlier, possibly 1844.

Choir stalls have ends with poppy heads and carving on arm rests, and arcaded frontal.

The Tudor-panelled reredos has a shallow canopy and 3 relief brass panels, signed JB.

The earliest monuments are male and female effigies, said to be Thomas Radcliffe and his wife, now lying in the south aisle.

Next to it is a large slate slab, set up on legs like a table tomb, but originally laid in the floor and with 2ft brass effigies to Sir John Ratcliff and his wife.

He was the chief patron of the C16 enlargement of the church.

In the south aisle is a recumbent white-marble figure by J. Louth on a Gothic chest, to the poet laureate Robert Southey , who is buried in the churchyard.

There are several other C18 and C19 wall tablets, including 2 by Webster of Kendal, C18 brass plaques in the chancel and 1914-18 war-memorial plaque by E. Harrison of Keswick.

There are fragments of medieval stained glass in 2 aisle windows.

HISTORY: The earliest features of the church are the C14 tower arch and the late C14 font.

The north aisle includes some C15 windows

the church was substantially rebuilt in the early C16 and consecrated in 1523.

The patron was Sir John Ratcliff, whose brass effigy is in the church.

Restoration was undertaken mainly at the expense of James Stanger of Lairthwaite, and was prompted by a campaign raising funds for a monument in the church to Robert Southey.

http://www.poetsgraves.co.uk/southey.htm

© Alexander P Kapp

REASONS FOR DESIGNATION: The church of St Kentigern, Crosthwaite, is designated at Grade II* for the following principal reasons: * It is a substantial late-medieval parish church retaining significant original fabric and detail. * It has fixtures of special interest, including a rich late C14 font,

NY2524 : St Kentigern's Parish Church, Crosthwaite, Keswick, Font

© Alexander P Kapp

good-quality C19 benches, lectern and chancel fittings. * Its monuments are of special interest, including C15 effigies, C16 brass, and C19 effigy, by the noted sculptor, J. G. Lough.

This List entry has been amended to add sources for War Memorials Online and the War Memorials Register.