St Michael and All Angels, Lamplugh

About

Lamplugh church, designed by William Butterfield, is located in a dramatic landscape on an elevated site, set against the outlying fells of the Lake District National Park with Owsen and Blake Fells beyond.

Lamplugh's name is Celtic. The Dictionary of English Place-Names by A D Mills suggests the name meant 'Bare valley' (nant + blwch). But local historian, Betty Marshall in her book 'Lamplugh Church' suggested the original name came from 'llan + plwyf' which means an open space or enclosure used for religious purposes for people round about. The difference in meanings could well have originated from incorrect pronunciation of the original Celtic. Melvyn Bragg writes in his foreword to Betty's book that Lamplugh ' is an ancient place with an intriguing story to tell. The church has been its keystone. It is remarkable that the exploration of one building can yield so much about the lives of so many over so long a period'.

A church or chapel had existed on the site since c1150, with two previous reconstructions recorded in 1658 and 1771. Today’s church was designed by the eminent Victorian architect, William Butterfield. Built in 1870 in the Perpendicular style, retaining the remodelled chancel and vestry and some mediaeval features. 
The fine Victorian interior is lit with windows designed by Charles Eamer Kempe, and his workshop; Heaton, Butler and Bayne and three others attributed to Clayton and Bell.

A reputed Crusader's tombstone, possibly 15th century, lies in the churchyard and on the vestry wall is the 1634 tombstone which may have replaced that of his ‘crusader’ ancestor. Also in the church are possibly falsified extracts from the 17th century register which records, inter alia the cause of death of one person as ‘frighted to death by fairies’. Other almost equally remarkable causes of deaths are quoted for visitors.

Key Features

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

Visitor information

Steps to enter the church or churchyard
Ramp or level access available on request
Parking within 250m
On street parking at church
Level access to the main areas
Accessible toilets in church
 

Opening Times

Open every day between the hours of 10am to 4pm