'Matterdale Church'

Grid Ref 90: NY 395225

The history of Matterdale Church dates from the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. It has no formal dedication, as was common in old chapelries.

The easternmost beam of the church has a curious inscription, with some initials and the date 1573. This date probably marked the completion of the Church. The stained glass is by Charles Kempe.

From the outside the Church is a simple structure with a south porch and a west tower. There are two fonts, the older in use from the 17th Century until 1881, when a larger one from Greystoke was brought into use. The older one is now turned upside down and used as a sundial. The altar rails date from the late 17th Century, and were to keep animals from the altar. The main Christian festivals are celebrated by candlelight.

A leaflet describing the history of the Church is available.