'Ponsonby Church'

Location : Calder Bridge / Gosforth
Map - Ordnance Survey - NY 042056

This church has many connections with the Stanley family of Calderbridge, who came to the area in the 14th century. There are a number of memorials to the Ponsonby branch of the Stanley family.

Some parts of the church are older - the chancel, nave, and one of the lancet windows. The approach to the church is across a dry moat, which encircles the churchyard, all within a lovely park-like setting. From here you look out towards Sellafield to the west, and the Lakeland Fells to the north-east.

At the west end there is an interesting stone vaulted ceiling, and a stained glass window depicting Faith and Hope (by Henry Holiday). The east window shows the Crucifixion (designed by by Sir Edward Burne-Jones and made by William Morris & Co).

Too see more high quality photographs of the windows at Ponsonby by P Neil Ralley, see Stained Glass Photography.