Dacre, St Andrew

Built on the site of an ancient monastery mentioned by the Venerable Bede, this 12th century church overlooks Dacre Castle, a 13th century pele tower. Enlarged in the 15th century and the interior partly remodelled in the 19th century, the church contains a number of interesting features. Among these are two fragments of Viking cross shafts (9th and 10th centuries), found in the churchyard, that testify to the antiquity of the site. A later sandstone Crusader knight (Lord Dacre - 13th century) lies in the sanctuary and a stock lock (1671), given by the Lady Anne Clifford, with its original key, is on the south door. A much newer (1992) feature is the memorial window to Sylvia McCosh, the late chatelaine of Dalemain. The window, designed and executed by Laurence Whistler, illustrates a quotation from Milton's Paradise Lost and depicts the Lakeland hills and the countryside around the valley of the river Eamont.

The bells dating from the 14th century are hung in the tower, one wall of which is of Norman origin. The newly installed church clock celebrates the Millennium and is dedicated to three former church members. The organ, installed in 2002, was formerly at Carnforth and is a memorial to Sylvia McCosh.

Outside in the churchyard are the enigmatic 'Dacre Bears'. Of unknown origin, age or purpose, four figures of an animal, a bear or possibly a lion, clasping a post, stand near the four corners of the church. Though weather worn there is sufficient detail left to suggest that a story is being told - but what it is no one knows.

The grave of Viscount Whitelaw KT CH MC, former Home Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister, lies near the north wall of the churchyard.

Postcode: CA11 0HJ

Opening Times
Daily, 9am - dusk

Service Times

1st Sunday

8am

Holy Communion BCP

9.30am

Family Service (during term time service held in Stainton School)

6pm

Evensong (Summer only)

2nd Sunday

9.30am

Holy Communion BCP

3rd Sunday

8am

Holy Communcion BCP

9.30am

Matins BCP

4th Sunday

9.30am

Holy Communion CW

5th Sunday

9.30am

Holy Communion CW