Penrith in Cumbria, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

St Andrew's Churchyard

— Millennium Trail —

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 11, 2024

1. St Andrew's Churchyard Marker

Inscription. The Parish Church, rebuilt in 1720-1722, incorporates a medieval west tower and a galleried interior, and has been described as 'the stateliest church of its time in the county'. The architect is not known, but the church is in the style of Nicholas Hawksmoor. Two brass chandeliers which hang in the nave were the gift of the Duke of Portland to the people of Penrith for their loyalty during the Jacobite Uprising of 1745. Mural paintings in the chancel arch are by the Penrith-born artist Jacob Thompson in 1845. The stained-glass windows are of interest, including an outstanding new Millennium Window, designed by Christine Boyce and dedicated by the Bishop of Carlisle on 20 February 2000. The cross of St Andrew is incorporated in the Common Seat of the Town of Penrith.

The 'Giant's Grave' was once thought to be the burial place of Owen Caesarius, King of Cumbria from 900 to 937 AD, but now agreed to be pre-Norman crosses and four smaller hogsback grave markers. The 'Giant's Thumb' is also a fine example of a pre-Norman cross. The crosses have Anglian, Celtic and Norse decorative motifs, and may mark the burial site of

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a succession of rulers, war lords and chieftains.

After the Conquest the Normans were slow to bring the northern part of Cumbria under their control. It is likely that the township of Penrith was taken into the hands of the English crown in 1092, when the Conqueror's son, William Rufus, captured Carlisle. Penrith Church, already an ancient religious site, was given to the Bishop of Carlisle on the creation of the Diocese in 1133.

In the Churchyard is an impressive gothic monument to Robert Virtue, the Superintendent for building the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway in 1846, marking a turning point in the development of the town. The Old Grammar School was restored in 1857, and is now incorporated into the Penrith Library and Devonshire Arcade, opened in 1991.

James Parkin ('Jimmy the Bellman') (1846-1907) was the last of the Penrith town criers. They were officially employed to deliver information, announce meetings and sales, and notify the loss or finding of property. Following three slowly rung peals they conveyed the news of deaths and funerals. Jimmy Parkin also blow' the organ in St Andrew's Church.

Topics. This historical

St Andrew's Churchyard image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 11, 2024

2. St Andrew's Churchyard

marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Religion & Religious Structures.

Location. 54° 39.846′ N, 2° 45.094′ W. Marker is in Penrith, England, in Cumbria. It can be reached from Saint Andrews Churchyard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11 St Andrews Churchyard, Penrith, England CA11, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North West England.

It is also in British Border Reivers Country.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Bustling Market Town (a few steps from this marker); A Long Tradition (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Great Dockray (about 150 meters away); Sign of the Times (about 150 meters away); The Board & Elbow (about 150 meters away); The Water of Life (approx. 0.3 kilometers

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away); Penrith Castle (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Welcome to Penrith Castle (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Penrith.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2024, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 205 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 30, 2024, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

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