St Mary with Holy Trinity, Ulverston

About

Step through a 12th century doorway into an oasis of calm where worship, history, wood and stones have tales to tell  of the Mariners, merchants and a faithful community are celebrated in memorials and stained glass.

Our beautiful Grade II* listed building dates from 1111, the arched Norman entryway linking over 900 years of continuous worship in this place. The current main aisle of the church dates from the 16th century. Our prosperous Victorian ancestors extended and refurbished the building, with most of the stunning stained glass fitted in the 1860s. The bell tower (restored in 1541) replaced a structure that blew down, destroying most of the previous building! The peal of six bells, cast in 1836 by Whitechapel Foundry, are accessed by a winding spiral staircase of 34 stone steps.

The church rests below Hoad Hill with its eye catching monument to Sir John Barrow, possibly Ulverston’s most famous son (after Stan Laurel!), His parents are buried in the extensive and fascinating churchyard and there is a memorial, hatchment and stained glass window dedicated to Sir John inside the church building. 
Other important local families include the impressive tomb of William Sandys of Conishead Priory, containing ... nothing! The said gentlemen is rumoured to have been murdered in 1559 and his body disposed of in Morecambe Bay.

Look out for a heraldic window in the side chapel which is a most confusing mish-mash of coats of arms belonging to the Braddyll family.  Among our more dubious claims to fame is that George Fox, the founder of Quakerism, was ejected from the church on three separate occasions!

The Cumbria in Bloom award winning church garden is also a designated Quiet Garden, and wildlife haven offering a beautiful tranquil setting in which to sit and rest a while.

Key Features

Captivating architecture
Enchanting atmosphere
Famous connections
Fascinating churchyard
Glorious furnishings
Magnificent memorials
National heritage here
Social heritage stories
Spectacular stained glass
Wildlife haven
 

Visitor information

Accessible toilets in church
Bus stop within 100m
Café in church
Café within 500m
Car park at church
Dog friendly
Level access throughout
On street parking at church
Parking within 250m
Space to secure your bike
Walkers & cyclists welcome
 

Opening Times

Open weekdays 9am to 1pm.
Outside these hours please contact us.