Christ Church Stricklandgate Penrith

Christ Church dates back to 1850 when the then vicar of St. Andrew’s, the Rev. William Holme Milner had it built. "Since most of the pews of St. Andrew’s were rented, there was little room for the poor parishioners. Moreover, there was no space for further burials in St. Andrew’s churchyard". In October 1847 the Rev Milner issued a circular appealing for support for the new church. On Thursday 6th April 1848 he had the foundation stone laid, watched by a large crowd. During 1849 Penrith saw the building rising steadily. Red sandstone for the outer walls arrived from Lazonby, white limestone for the pillars, pulpit and font arrived friom Lamonby Moor. The builder was Mr Joseph Mawson; the joiner was Mr Joseph Green; plastering, plumbing and lighting were by Mr William Scott of Corney Square. Mr Mawson the builder gave the font. The de Whelpdale executors gave £100 for Mrs de Whelpdale's Memorial to her husband, this the vicar used for the East window. The other stained glass window, in at the start, was the gift of James Barratt. By autumn 1850 the Church was ready for consecration. Its architects were Travis and Mangnall of Manchester. It held 600 people, 150 paid rent for their pews, and sat east of the north and south doors; the other 450 seats were free. Christ Church then became a separate parish but was re‑united with St. Andrew’s in 1968.

Reference           Manchester Guardian Saturday 20 November 1847 Page 2 (Contracts)