In Cumbria, there is no local tradition in Church architecture. For one thing, the dales were mostly too poor, and for another, the slate was not a good material for building in the style of medieval gothic. Partly because of poverty, churches fell into disrepair, and had to be rebuilt, or were too small and had to be enlarged.

While many dale churches have 12th or 13th Century origins, only a few remain in anything like their original state.

Many churches have towers, some of them fortified, but few have steeples. Those that do are mainly 19th Century in the towns - Ambleside, Cockermouth, Keswick, Barrow and Millom. Some Victorian churches were built by rich landowners who wanted their own church near to the house for the use of themselves and their staff.

This is a summary of some of the many churches in Cumbria which are well worth seeing. If you only have time to view a few, these are ones you should not miss.

Related links :

• Diocese of Carlisle.
• Church Plans for Cumberland
• Church Plans for Westmorland
• BBC Cumbria - church photo gallery
• Churches of Cumbria - by Steve Bulman