All Saints Church, Cockermouth

All Saints Church has an elevated, commanding view over Cockermouth main street.

The original 14th century church was considered ‘the most ancient and beautiful specimen of Gothic architecture in the North of England’.  However, some suggest that a church has been on this site since the 11th Century, thought to have been erected by Waltheof of Allerdale.

This church was replaced in 1711 by what is described as a “plain building”. Following a fire which destroyed the church in 1850, and a third church was built in the Early English style in 1854.

All Saints spire can be seen from outlaying villages, reaching a height of 180 feet, with exceptional carving of the pillar capitals.

The church tower, designed by Mr. Joseph Clarke, architect, of London, contains a peal of six bells, and a clock and chimes by J. Blaylock, of Carlisle.

The Carlisle clockmaker  was the third of the generation to have the name John Blaylock.

A Bible and Prayer Book from the dedication ceremony in 1854 are preserved and on display within the church.  The skillfully worked pulpit and font are made of Caen stone.

Fine examples of Victorian stained glass
The east window was erected by subscription in 1853 by John Hardman as a memorial window to William Wordsworth who was baptised here, and whose father John is buried in the churchyard. It consists of five lights and a head, filled in with tracery. The window is extremely rich in Scriptural subjects and symbolism.

On the south side are four memorial windows dedicated to Eldred Green, the vicar from 1874 to 1881, erected by his family and public subscription.

Songs of Praise
On February 21st, BBC Songs of Praise will come from All Saints Church and Sally Magnusson visited Cumbria to talk to

those people whose lives were been turned upside down by the November floods and see the work to rebuild Cockermouth town centre and recover the roads and bridges of the town and outlaying villages.

All Saints Church renaissance appeal website
The aim is to transform the interior of this important Wordsworth Church into a major community facility as well as an inspiring spiritual centre.

The Saints Rooms have already redefined the standards for West Cumbrian social venues. Refurbishing Cockermouth’s ‘cathedral’ will create a vibrant cultural centre.

More information
About Cockermouth – Cumbria Travel Guide
19th Century history of Cockermouth All Saints Church – Images of Cumbria website
Cockermouth gravestone inscriptions recorded – Article on Gravestonepix.com

Thanks to John Blaylock for his advice regarding the history of the clock.