Holy Trinity, Kendal

About

With a history dating back over a thousand years, Holy Trinity is one of the largest parish churches in the country and one of England's Greater Churches.

Visitors are struck both by the lightness of the interior and by its five aisles. Although the current church dates to the early 13th century, the shaft of an cross dating to the mid 9th century and housed in the church, suggests that there has been a church on the site for well over a thousand years.

Here you can hear of the Parr family of Kendal castle, whose most famous member was Queen Katherine Parr, the Stricklands of Sizergh and the Bellingham family. Here, too, you can hear the story of Robert Philipson (Robin, the Devil) who rode into church in pursuit of his enemy, Colonel Briggs, and about the glazier who had to be employed full time to mend the windows broken by boys on their way to school in the 17th century. And who is the ‘Amiable Youth’ whose monument lies at the west end of the church?

Kendal parish is home to the Border Regiment Chapel and houses the colours of the 55th Westmorland Regiment of Foot. It is also known as the ‘Church of the Angels’, whose brightly coloured figures decorate the church roof and tell stories of faith and local families. Other things to see include the memorial to the painter, George Romney, who lived near the church, the beautiful stained glass, and the steel ‘Crown of Thorns’ dedicated to Bernard Gilpin, the ‘Apostle of the North’, who came from nearby Kentmere.

There is lots to explore here, but most of all this is a living church. We hope you will come and visit this special place.

Key Features

Captivating architecture
Magnificent memorials
Social heritage stories
Spectacular stained glass
 

Visitor information

Accessible toilets in church
Bus stop within 100m
Car park at church
Dog friendly
Level access throughout
Level access to the main areas
Ramp or level access available on request
Walkers & cyclists welcome
Wifi
 

Opening Times

Open daily 9am to 5pm.