Windermere, St Martin

The current building was consecrated in 1483 after a fire destroyed most of the earlier building that had been on the site from at least 1203. Little of the earlier building still remains apart from the font and the base of the tower with its external door indicating a lower floor level five feet below today's.

An unusual feature is the lead roof which enabled the parishioners to build a larger church than if they had used the traditional, heavy Lakeland slate. One of the ancient windows commemorates the local carrier who transported the lead free of charge on his pack horses.

The outstanding treasure of St Martin's is the east window which is described as "one of the most important and extensive ensembles of late medieval glazing". Most of the glass dates from the 15th century but some is believed to be from the 13th. The glass came from Cartmel Priory. It has been suggested that one of the coats of arms is of the Washington family, ancestors of the first president of the USA.

Unique features of St Martin's church include 16th/17th century texts from a catechism published in 1590; and an 'Arts and Crafts' decorative scheme of murals and quotations from the Bible on the walls and roof beams from the 1870s restoration and enlargement. The church also holds an 'arts and crafts' carved rood screen and cross designed by local 'Arts and Crafts' architect, Dan Gibson, for the former St. John's Church. Many ancient items are on display in the church.

A recent 'Millennium Project' included the addition of the magnificent Curwen screen in front of the tower, restoration of the organ, the restoration and re-hanging of the eight bells in a new frame and restoration of the east window.

The churchyard was consecrated in 1348 when the country was being ravaged by the plague. It contains some interesting gravestones including one for an Abyssinian slave.

Postcode: LA23 3DF

Opening Times
Daily, 10.30am - 4.30pm (the church is kept open by a rota of volunteers)
Palm Sunday to end of September

Service Times

Sunday	8am	Holy Communion
	10am	Holy Communion and Young Peoples' Groups
Wednesday	11am	Holy Communion